Duty in the Pokrovsk Sector
Police Major Andrii Marukhlenko, originally from Koriukivka, described the severe conditions his unit endured while carrying out a critical defense mission in the Pokrovsk sector. Their primary objective was to hold the line and prevent enemy forces from breaching their defensive positions.
Surviving a Mass Assault
In December, the unit came under a massive Russian assault. During this attack, eight enemy drones targeted their shelter, completely destroying it. The soldiers were left without essential supplies, forcing them to rely on provisions airdropped by drone. To obtain water, Andrii Marukhlenko and his comrades resorted to melting snow.
"My brothers-in-arms and I were lucky to survive. It was a miracle. But we were left with nothing. Our food was dropped to us by drone. To get water, we melted snow." - Andrii Marukhlenko
Andrii Marukhlenko has a wife and daughters awaiting his return home.
This account highlights the harsh realities and immense challenges Ukrainian forces face in the ongoing conflict. The severe service conditions, inadequate supplies, and constant danger underscore the persistent strain in the region. These events also emphasize the critical need for support and attention to the needs of military personnel who risk their lives defending their country. The Pokrovsk sector has been a focal point of intense fighting in the Donetsk region, illustrating the war's grinding attrition.