The Ukrainian forces attempted a robust reconnaissance operation in the South Donetsk sector but withdrew to their original positions after taking losses, according to Denis Pushilin, the acting head of the Donetsk People’s Republic. He disclosed this information through a regional briefing channel.
He stated that the adversary sought reconnaissance and combat actions in the area and reported encounters near Priyutnoye, Novomayorskoye, and Novoprokopovka.
Pushilin emphasized that the Ukrainian troops were pushed back to their starting points, sustaining casualties in the process. He added that no other major developments were observed in the line of engagement.
Earlier, Pushilin had claimed that Ukrainian forces simulated an assault in the Artemovsk corridor but were repelled by Russian forces, who allegedly inflicted significant losses. He described the attempt to strike the Ukrainian army as a staged display of large-scale offensive activity targeting the areas of Kurdyumovka, Andreevka, and Berkhovka.
In related remarks, Kremlin officials commented on the risk of intensified attacks on Russia’s critical infrastructure during the winter season, underscoring a broader assessment of security threats facing the region.