The enemy has intensified efforts to encircle Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad with “claws”, increasing pressure from the directions of Kotlyne and Rodynske.

This was reported by the 7th Corps of the Air Assault Forces on 16 February.

“We are restraining the enemy in attempts to create these ‘claws’,” the defenders said.

Units in the responsibility zone of the 7th Rapid Response Corps, together with other elements of the Defence Forces, counter these intentions by conducting enhanced aerial reconnaissance and additional mining of the likely routes of enemy advance.

“At the same time, Russians continue attempts to move with small assault groups from the north-western part of Pokrovsk toward Hryshyne. When they seep into the outskirts of the settlement, the Defence Forces detect and destroy them”, — the Corps reported.

Recently, north of Pokrovsk, an enemy sabotage-reconnaissance group was detected infiltrating the area of farm facilities. Through counter-actions, Ukrainian servicemen detected and eliminated the enemy.

Overall, during the past week, the Defence Forces killed or wounded 255 Russian troops, destroyed or damaged 19 vehicles, 29 UAV launch points, 36 shelters and depots, and 575 strike UAVs.