‘Five towns are at stake’: about the critical situation and fierce fighting in Donetsk region.

Yegor Firsov, a soldier with the 109th Battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has named Chasiv Yar, Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk, Kurakhovo and Toretsk as the hottest spots of fighting in Donetsk Oblast. He said this on the Espreso TV channel.

‘The situation is very complicated in our frontline area. The enemy is increasing pressure, using various weapons, trying to bypass the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to break through to Kostyantynivka through Toretsk. On the other hand, the occupiers are moving through Chasiv Yar in the same direction. Near Pokrovsk, we are recording the accumulation of their forces, blocking some routes with drones. The enemy is clearly planning to intensify attacks on Pokrovsk. Fierce fighting continues near Shevchenkove, which is located very close to Pokrovsk. In addition, the situation in Kurakhove remains difficult,’ said Firsov.

According to him, the active phase of combat operations continues in the Donetsk region. The enemy has changed its tactics, concentrating forces in certain areas instead of scattering them along the entire frontline.

‘There is often a shortage of drones due to their constant use – targets appear day and night. It feels like the enemy is going all-in, throwing all resources at several areas. There are 4-5 hotspots – Toretsk, Chasiv Yar, Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad. We need to understand that the maintenance of these five cities is at stake. This is critical for us, because the defence of each city cost us incredible efforts, resources, and most importantly, the lives of our defenders,’ the military said.

Firsov emphasised that Ukrainian society should be aware of the importance of these positions, even if it may seem insignificant at the geopolitical level.