Intense Fighting in Myrnohrad and Hrabovske Amid Ongoing Russian Invasion

Ukrainian military forces are actively defending their positions near Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast, successfully repelling Russian assaults aimed at capturing the city. As of December 23, 2025, the Ukrainian Grouping of Forces "East" reported that their units are maintaining defensive lines and conducting offensive operations against Russian troops attempting to advance. The situation remains intense, with Ukrainian forces reportedly neutralizing 174 Russian soldiers in recent engagements, including 132 fatalities. Additionally, Ukrainian defenders have destroyed multiple units of Russian equipment and shot down four drones.

The Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad urban agglomeration has been a focal point of Russian military efforts, with significant ground assaults occurring over the past several months. The Ukrainian military claims to have halted 58 Russian offensive actions in the area within a 24-hour period. Urban combat continues, particularly in Pokrovsk, where Ukrainian troops are conducting search-and-assault operations against Russian forces entrenched in the city.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has characterized much of Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk as a "gray zone," indicating a lack of permanent control by either side. This designation highlights the ongoing struggle for dominance in the region, which has seen fluctuating control amid the broader context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Reports from December 20 indicated that Myrnohrad was contested, necessitating further clarification on control over the city.

In a separate incident, approximately 100 Russian military personnel launched a sudden attack on the village of Hrabovske in Sumy Oblast, attempting to advance toward Ryasnoye. Viktor Trehubov, head of the communications department of the Joint Forces Group, described the situation as ongoing fighting, with Ukrainian forces working to dislodge Russian troops from their positions in Hrabovske. Trehubov noted that the attack appears to be more of a provocation than a strategic breakthrough.

This incident follows reports of civilian deportations from the area, including vulnerable individuals such as elderly men and women, raising concerns about humanitarian implications. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has highlighted the presence of children among those deported, prompting a response from Ukrainian officials to the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding the situation.

The Ukrainian military has emphasized its commitment to maintaining defensive positions and conducting offensive operations to counter Russian advances. The ongoing situation in both Myrnohrad and Hrabovske reflects the complexities of the conflict, with military officials asserting that they are prepared to respond to any further incursions.

Critics of the Russian military actions in Ukraine have pointed to the humanitarian crises resulting from the conflict, particularly the deportation of civilians from contested areas. The Ukrainian government continues to call for international support and intervention to address these issues.

While the Ukrainian military reports significant successes against Russian forces, the ISW has indicated that the situation remains fluid, with areas like Myrnohrad still classified as contested. The exact control over these regions is subject to ongoing changes, and further developments are anticipated as both sides continue their military operations.