Ukraine holds lines in Donetsk Oblast, conducts new offensives

In particular, Syrskyi noted that he met with Corps, brigades, and battalions commanders in Donetsk Oblast.

He studied the specifics of combat operations in this sector, discussed current issues of task execution and the level of unit supplies, and approved decisions to strengthen defense capabilities and improve logistics.

"The peculiarity of the war at the current stage is that the concept of the 'front line' is blurring, and in many areas, mutual 'infiltration zones' for small infantry groups can extend over 10 km," the Commander-in-Chief highlighted.

"Russian invaders are suffering significant, sometimes critical losses in manpower and equipment."

He added that Ukrainian units are effectively using unmanned systems, artillery, and remote mining, consistently degrading the Russians' combat potential and disrupting their offensive plans.

On March 9, the Eastern Group of Forces reported that Russian troops are preparing to intensify offensive operations in the Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad areas, increasing airstrikes and bringing in reserves.

On March 4, the 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces reported that Russian occupation forces are planning to intensify their offensive in early spring and have concentrated their main efforts on advancing toward Hryshyne, northwest of Pokrovsk.

Russian forces may have finally captured Pokrovsk in recent weeks, the Institute for the Study of War suggested in a Feb. 25 report — even though the Ukrainian Defense Forces did not confirm this fact and did not announce the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the city.

At the same time, ISW emphasized that Russian forces were unable to capitalize on the capture of Pokrovsk and achieve further significant operational successes. This demonstrates that Russia's capture of the rest of the Donetsk Oblast is not imminent or inevitable, analysts noted.

On Feb. 25, the spokesperson for the Eastern Group of Forces, Major Hryhorii Shapoval, stated that eight settlements in the Pokrovsk direction, namely Sukhetske, Suvorove, Nykanorivka, Dorozhnie, Ivanivka, Nove Shakhove, Novyi Donbas, and Vilne, are under the full control of the Defense Forces.