Ukrainian forces regain 16 square kilometers in Donetsk Oblast, Syrskyi

Ukrainian forces have successfully liberated around 16 square kilometers of territory near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast in recent weeks, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi said on April 17.

“Over three days, I visited almost all brigades of this most powerful grouping of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, which bears the brunt of the enemy’s spring offensive and destroys its best forces and means,” Syrskyi said.

He noted that the reclaimed areas include land near the settlements of Udachne, Kotlyne, and Shevchenko. He emphasized the resilience and strength of Ukrainian troops in the Pokrovsk sector, where they are reportedly repelling up to 30 Russian attacks per day and inflicting substantial losses on the enemy.

This development comes as Russian advances have slowed significantly, with monitoring group DeepState reporting that Russian forces gained only 133 square kilometers in March—their lowest monthly total since June 2024. Syrskyi affirmed that Ukrainian forces continue to resist Russian attempts to seize Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, stating that Moscow’s strategic goals remain unfulfilled. He also confirmed ongoing efforts to address logistical and operational challenges at the front lines.