Ukraine’s army has reportedly wiped out over 100 Russian soldiers in a single day, as Putin’s forces continue their push for Pokrovsk. The Donbas city has come under intense attacks, as the Kremlin desperately tries to seize full control of the urban settlement.

Known as the “gateway to Donetsk”, the besieged city is a key transport and logistics hub on Ukraine’s eastern frontline. Putin’s forces have been trying for over 20 months to break the will of its stubborn defenders. Russian commanders have amassed a force of around 155,000 troops in the Pokrovsk sector.

Ukraine’s high command has rushed in reinforcements – including special force units – to the city to help in its defence.

Kyiv’s army reportedly repelled 58 Russian attacks towards Pokrovsk on Monday, inflicting heavy casualties.

Army commanders from the Eastern Group say 136 Russians were killed in the failed assaults.

Ukraine’s military claims to still control the northern part of Pokrovsk, with troops carrying out search-and-assault operations to hunt down Russian soldiers. Fierce fighting continues to rage in the city and the situation remains very fluid.

Ukrainian units are also holding their defensive lines near Myrnohrad in Donetsk region and destroying Russian forces attempting to approach the city.

The Institute for the Study of War reported that geolocated footage published on December 22 indicates that Ukrainian forces recently advanced along the E50 Pokrovsk–Pavlohrad highway northwest of Pokrovsk.

The think tank marks most of Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk as a “grey zone” — a no man’s land without permanent control by either side.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s General Staff said on Tuesday it had withdrawn its troops the eastern town of Siversk.

The capture of Siversk brings Russia closer to the last remaining “fortress belt” cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk still in Ukrainian hands in the industrial Donetsk region.