"The situation is difficult": Syrskyi visited near Pokrovsk, denied "blockade" and named the primary task

"The situation is difficult": Syrskyi visited near Pokrovsk, denied "blockade" and named the primary task

"The enemy is increasing activity in the area of the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration. Therefore, I once again visited this critical direction," - reported the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, on Facebook.

"I met with commanders of army corps, military units, and subunits that are holding back a numerically superior enemy onslaught.

I listened to reports on the current situation, existing needs, and considered proposals.

The situation is complex, but the claims of Russian propaganda about the alleged ’blockade’ of Ukraine’s Defence Forces in Pokrovsk, as well as in Kupyansk, do not correspond to reality.

At the same time, in Pokrovsk, enemy infantry, avoiding direct combat, is accumulating in urban areas, changing locations, so the primary task is to detect and destroy them.

In such conditions, the high-quality operation of our reconnaissance and strike drones is extremely important. In addition to unmanned systems, strike-search operations are being conducted in the city, and tasks to eliminate the enemy are being carried out by units of the Airborne Assault Troops, assault regiments, Special Operations Forces, the Military Service of Law and Order Special Purpose Center, the Security Service of Ukraine, the National Guard, the National Police of Ukraine, and others.

We are working on strengthening the resilience of defence in the Pokrovsk direction. Key aspects here include: high-quality interaction between units, providing them with everything necessary, including according to additional needs; clear and coordinated execution of assigned tasks.

Every commander, regardless of rank, must ensure the high-quality execution of tasks. I have strictly warned commanders against irresponsibility. I will take tough measures for this, up to dismissal from positions.

I issued the necessary orders. In the context of improving logistics, I separately defined tasks to enhance the protection of supply and evacuation routes. A number of other decisions were also made.

All decisions are made promptly. They are based on maintaining a reasonable balance between goals and capabilities. However, the priority is to preserve the lives of our soldiers.

The Dobropillya operation continues. As of today, assault units have advanced further on certain directions by 200 to 550 meters. Overall, during this operation, 186.8 km² of Ukrainian territory has been liberated, and 246.8 km² has been cleared of enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups.

I thank all soldiers, sergeants, and officers who are striking the enemy and professionally performing their tasks.

We are holding back the enemy by all available means. We continue working toward our common goal," Syrskyi noted.