Fighting Intensifies on Pokrovsk and Ocheretyne Fronts
On January 26, 2026, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported a severe escalation of hostilities along the Pokrovsk and Ocheretyne axes. Fierce battles are ongoing for the cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in the Donetsk region, where Russian occupation forces are actively concentrating infantry in the northern part of Pokrovsk. The enemy is amassing personnel on farms and inside a church in Myrnohrad, leading to chaotic fighting in the city's northern sector.
On the Myrnohrad front, the enemy is attempting to reinforce its positions. Notably, Russian troops are gathering personnel inside a church alongside civilians, a clear violation of international humanitarian law. Concurrently, the enemy continues persistent attempts to advance into Hryshyne, and the situation near Rodynske is also deteriorating due to increased pressure from the occupiers.
Combat Clashes and Humanitarian Concerns
Over the past week, approximately 400 combat engagements have been recorded on these sections of the front. Access to the city of Pokrovsk is heavily restricted, and the enemy is actively conducting remote mining operations. Areas that are successfully demined are immediately re-mined by Russian forces. Pilots operating in the region are at risk of coming under fire from enemy assault units. Rodynske remains the last settlement that offers a potential route out of Myrnohrad, a fact well understood by the enemy.
The intensification of hostilities on the Pokrovsk and Ocheretyne axes indicates a significant escalation by the occupying forces, which could have serious consequences for the local population and Ukraine's military.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi
The presence of civilians at enemy positions, particularly in churches, constitutes a breach of international norms and risks triggering a humanitarian catastrophe in the region. This situation underscores the complexity of the frontline, where prolonged combat and tactical maneuvers by both sides continue to raise serious concerns about safety and stability in the Donbas. The use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes is a recurring tactic in this conflict, complicating Ukrainian defensive operations.