Kyiv: Ukraine has asserted that its military forces have maintained control over parts of the front-line city of Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region since mid-November, countering Russia's earlier claims of full control over the city.

According to Anadolu Agency, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Ukrainian troops had temporarily left the city "at some point in the autumn" due to limited capabilities. However, they managed to regain approximately 13 square kilometers (5 square miles) as of November 15. Syrskyi noted that the Ukrainian forces are currently holding the northern part of Pokrovsk along the railway line and have also secured about 54 square kilometers (20.8 square miles) west of the city.

Syrskyi highlighted the increasing presence of Russian forces in the area, describing the situation as challenging, particularly under foggy and rainy weather conditions. He mentioned that he recently ordered a tactical withdrawal of Ukrainian servicemen from positions located 5-7 kilometers from Pokrovsk, which were deemed untenable for rotation and vulnerable to Russian advancement.

Additionally, Syrskyi refuted claims that the nearby front-line city of Myrnohrad, approximately six kilometers (3.7 miles) east of Pokrovsk, is encircled by Russian troops. He acknowledged logistical difficulties in Myrnohrad but assured that operations are ongoing.

The Ukrainian commander's comments surfaced as Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov declared that Russian forces continue to make headway in Ukraine, claiming control over the southern part of Myrnohrad, which Russia refers to as Dimitrov. Gerasimov emphasized that the primary objective for Russian forces is to defeat Ukrainian troops allegedly encircled in Myrnohrad.

Earlier this month, Russia announced its control over Pokrovsk, a pivotal logistics hub for Ukraine's military efforts in the Donetsk region. The prolonged conflict, now in its fourth year, has made independent verification of battlefield claims challenging for both sides.