Denis Pushilin, the acting head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, spoke during a broadcast on the TV channel Russia 24 about ongoing military operations around Maryinka. He described the Russian forces as pushing forward while grinding down a substantial reserve column that Kyiv’s units reportedly sent into the area. The emphasis of his remarks was on the tempo of the advance and the sustained effort to seize and consolidate control over the town in the face of Ukrainian resistance. According to Pushilin, the Ukrainian side was deploying every available resource to slow the Russian advance, attempting to turn Maryinka into a stubborn bottleneck that would delay progress perceived as favorable to Moscow. The region has witnessed intense combat that, by his account, has persisted for weeks, with Russian units continuing to maneuver and apply pressure as they press toward their objective. This narrative reflects a broader pattern of iterative gains and tactical pauses characteristic of the broader frontline dynamics in the area, where both sides have been amassing forces and adjusting lines under difficult weather and terrain conditions.
RIA Novosti previously reported statements from a division commander in the Russian army, who leads the 381st artillery regiment. The commander indicated that taking Maryinka has proven difficult due to Ukrainian positions that were established with strong fortifications. He noted that Ukrainian forces had invested significant time and effort into building defenses, using natural terrain features and prepared emplacements to complicate any Russian effort to breach the village. The Russian perspective, as relayed by the commander, underscored the importance of targeted, heavy-fire operations designed to defeat fortified positions while minimizing Russian casualties. The account suggested that while progress is being made, the operation demands precision and restraint to reduce exposure to counterattacks and to preserve the strength of frontline units for subsequent shifts in the engagement. This description aligns with the broader assessment of urban and semi-urban fighting where planners emphasize careful execution and the disruption of fortified networks rather than rapid, indiscriminate advances.
Analysts and observers note that Maryinka represents a focal point in the contested corridor near the front lines, where both sides have maintained a persistent presence. The emphasis from Russian military spokespeople appears to center on the dual goals of diminishing enemy reserves and protecting their own personnel. The engagements around Maryinka illustrate the ongoing challenge of coordinating artillery, infantry, and support units in a built-up area, while also reflecting the strategic calculus of conserving combat power for wider operations. While Ukrainian forces are described as having deeply entrenched positions, Russian forces are portrayed as pursuing methodical, risk-aware action aimed at reducing civilian and military losses while working toward a favorable tactical outcome. The situation remains fluid, with each side adapting to evolving battlefield realities and the broader strategic directives issued by their respective authorities.