War update: 52 frontline clashes, heavy fighting in Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka sectors

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this in an operational update posted on Facebook as of 22:00 on Monday, March 16, as cited by Ukrinform.

“Overall, since the beginning of the day, 152 combat clashes have taken place… The enemy launched a missile strike using one missile and carried out 51 airstrikes, dropping 145 guided aerial bombs. In addition, the enemy deployed 6,232 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,884 shelling attacks on populated areas and our troops’ positions,” the statement said.

In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the enemy conducted 68 shelling attacks on Ukrainian positions and settlements, including three using multiple launch rocket systems. Two airstrikes involving seven guided bombs were carried out. Four clashes were recorded in the area.

In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the enemy twice assaulted Ukrainian positions near Starytsia and Vovchansk. One attack is ongoing.

In the Kupiansk sector, Russian forces launched eight attacks near Petropavlivka, Kurylivka, Hlushkivka, Novoosynove, Kupiansk, and Novoplatonivka.

In the Lyman sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled nine assaults near Drobysheve, Lyman, Stavky, Dibrova, and Borova. Two clashes are still ongoing.

In the Sloviansk sector, Russian forces attempted nine advances toward Yampil, Platonivka, Riznykivka, Ozerne, and Rai-Oleksandrivka. Three attacks are continuing.

In the Kramatorsk sector, the enemy attempted once to improve its position near Minkivka.

In the Kostiantynivka sector, Russian troops carried out 28 assaults on Ukrainian defensive positions near Kostiantynivka, Pleshchiivka, Ivanopillia, Illinivka, Stepanivka, Rusyn Yar, Sofiivka, and Novopavlivka.

In the Pokrovsk sector, the enemy launched 21 attacks, attempting to advance near Bilytske, Rodynske, Novooleksandrivka, Myrnohrad, Shevchenko, Hryshyne, Udachne, Kotlyne, Filiia, and Novomykolaivka. Two attacks are still underway.

According to preliminary estimates, 56 Russian troops were killed and 26 wounded in this sector today. Ukrainian forces destroyed one enemy shelter and a multiple launch rocket system, damaged 54 shelters, two UAV control points, and three artillery guns. A total of 226 drones of various types were destroyed or suppressed.

In the Oleksandrivka sector, Russian forces attempted four attacks near Danylivka and Zlahoda.

In the Huliaipole sector, 20 enemy attacks took place near Zaliznychne, Myrne, Zelene, Charivne, Huliaipilske, and Varvarivka.

In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy did not conduct assault operations.

No assault actions were recorded in the Prydniprovske sector as well.

The General Staff added that no significant changes occurred in other sectors of the front.

As reported, the total combat losses of Russian forces from February 24, 2022 to March 16, 2026 in the war against Ukraine amount to about 1,279,930 personnel.

Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine