The Ukrainian Armed Forces are strengthening their defense near Pokrovsk, with Butusov sharing details about successful operations.

Ukrainian defenders are strengthening their defenses on the southern flank of the city of Pokrovsk. They have managed to push the enemy out of several settlements in this direction. Granting greater initiative to the commanders of capable units, establishing coordination among artillery, UAVs, and infantry has created a defensive line even without the presence of fortifications.

This was reported by military correspondent Yuriy Butusov on Facebook. He also stated that the Ukrainian command has moved away from the practice of unprepared counterattacks and from the demands to send small groups of infantry to any point without reconnaissance and support.

According to him, the Russian Ministry of Defense loudly announced the capture of several important villages near Pokrovsk - Pishchane, Kotline, and Udachne. However, in reality, Ukrainian forces have not allowed the enemy to advance in this direction since early February and have conducted a series of successful counterattacks that have strengthened the defense.

"The fighters of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment 'Skala' and the 3rd Battalion of the 25th Airborne Brigade pushed the Russians out of the village of Kotline. I would note that the 'Skala' fighters stormed Kotline THREE times. Each time, poorly managed units were sent there, which left the village without a fight, and then our assault troops had to force the Russians out with losses. But in February, the situation changed, as now the village is not abandoned - the 25th Brigade paratroopers, 'Skala,' and the warriors of the 152nd Brigade are repelling daily Russian attacks. Additionally, the fighters of the 425th Assault Regiment, together with the warriors of the 3rd National Guard Brigade 'Spartan,' drove the enemy out of most of the village of Udachne," the journalist wrote.

The enemy is trying to force the Ukrainians out of the village of Pishchane. Fierce battles are currently ongoing there.

The military correspondent noted that the backbone of the defense on the southern outskirts of Pokrovsk is the infantry of the 425th 'Skala' regiment, who have carried out dozens of counterattacks and have repeatedly engaged in close combat with the advancing occupiers. He emphasized that these tasks were accomplished at a very high cost.

"It is worth noting that since early February, the Ukrainian command at the level of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the commander of the Operational Tactical Group, and the commander of the Tactical Group have significantly improved the management of troops in this area. The establishment of a fire support center, the creation of a group for the management and use of UAVs, the organization of electronic warfare and countermeasures - efficiency has increased precisely due to improvements in management and organization, thanks to the initiative of the commanders of units and subunits, as no additional forces are being sent here," Butusov stated.

The Situation Around Pokrovsk

The American Institute for the Study of War reported that Russian troops continue offensive actions in several directions. In particular, their advance was observed on February 28 in the areas of Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, Velyka Novosilka, as well as in western Zaporizhia Oblast.

Fierce battles continued in these areas, and Ukrainian defenders made maximum efforts to hold back the enemy. The occupiers intensified their attacks, using both armored vehicles and artillery. In some places, they managed to make slight advances; however, the situation remains dynamic.

In Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, thousands of people still remain. Russians are attacking evacuation routes with FPV drones and shelling all roads leading to the city. The situation for evacuation in Pokrovsk is worsening daily — it is becoming increasingly difficult to transport people to safe areas.