'Latest gambit' in Donetsk region: CinC Syrskyi explains Russian actions near Pokrovsk

That is according to the New York Post, Ukrinform reports.

"Undeterred, Moscow has sent roughly 150,000 troops — out of the roughly 700,000 on Ukrainian territory — in the direction of Pokrovsk, with powerful mechanized groups and four marine brigades committed to the push," the article reads.

Despite Russian state TV and social media propagandists insisting that Pokrovsk has fallen and Ukrainians are trapped, Syrskyi says the opposite is the case following a September counterattack that cost the invaders "about 13,000" casualties and allowed Ukrainian forces to clear more than 165 square miles (427 square kilometers).

"They continue to show this area on their maps as if it's under their control," Syrskyi said. "This perception — that the enemy has got practically everything and they're about to finish it — is not true."

Despite the Kremlin's forces using every trick to try to break through Ukrainian defenses, Kyiv is grimly holding on to the logistically important town, the article reads.

"The situation on the front line is really a tense one, where the enemy is carrying out a strategic offensive operation," Syrskyi said. "They've collected most of the forces, creating domination in an attempt to breach our defense line … to capture the area."

Russia's goal is to encircle Pokrovsk and neighboring towns from north, south and east, choking off supply lines and squeezing out any remaining civilians in its latest gambit to capture all of the Donetsk region, the commander explained.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his latest video address that Russian forces had achieved no significant gains on the front, adding that Ukraine's Defense Forces are successfully holding their positions in the Pokrovsk area, near Dobropillia, and along the entire line of contact.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine