Fierce Fighting Around Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad, Peace Proposal Sparks Tensions in Ukraine

International Desk, PNN

Less than a month after Russia’s renewed aggression, Ukrainian forces are making desperate efforts to defend the besieged cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in eastern Ukraine. The Russian offensive from three directions has intensified, complicating the situation.

In this tense environment, President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of having no real interest in ending the war. At the same time, reports have surfaced that a potential 28-point peace plan has been drafted between Washington and Moscow, raising concerns in Ukraine. The plan allegedly pressures Ukraine to cede territory—an “unacceptable” condition for Kyiv.

Ukraine states that Russia has deployed nearly 150,000 troops to capture the Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad area. The cities are now surrounded on three sides, with supply lines open only through the western border. Zelensky told U.S. senators that Pokrovsk has seen the highest casualties since the war began—approximately 25,000 soldiers.

A dramatic account of Ukrainian resistance emerged: soldiers from the 155th Mechanized Battalion survived for 100 days inside a destroyed building in Pokrovsk.

Videos released by the Ukrainian General Staff show new forces arriving in Pokrovsk, reinforcing defenses in the northern part of the city. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that continuous combat is ongoing against small Russian units and lightly armed vehicles.

Both sides are now engaged in fierce drone warfare. National Guard chief Oleksandr Pivnenko has called for increased drone production, noting drones are the primary tool to halt Russian advances.

Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russian forces’ attempts to completely encircle or directly penetrate the cities have slowed, with some progress in the south but resistance holding in the north.

Last week, Russia also captured several villages in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. In the past week, Russia launched nearly 1,600 drones and 78 missiles into Ukraine. Ukraine claims it destroyed 86% of drones and three-quarters of missiles, yet civilian areas suffered significant damage. At least 25 people were killed and over 80 injured in an attack in western Ternopil.

Ukraine retaliated by striking oil refineries in Novorossiysk, Saratov, and Ryazan, though the extent of damage to Russia’s military fuel production is unclear.

Meanwhile, during Zelensky’s visit to Turkey, reports emerged that U.S. envoy Steve Whitcomb visited Kyiv with a 28-point peace proposal. Ukraine states that demands to cede territory and reduce military size are longstanding Russian claims and completely unacceptable.