KYIV, Ukraine — Exclusive aerial footage captured by The Associated Press reveals the near-total destruction of Myrnohrad, a strategically significant Ukrainian town now almost completely encircled by Russian forces in the Donetsk region. Located merely 12 kilometers from the contested logistics hub of Pokrovsk, the settlement shows virtually no intact structures, with recent bombardment so intense that smoke continues to rise from fresh impact sites.
Military officials describe a desperate situation where Ukrainian marines from the 38th Brigade continue to mount a defense despite overwhelming odds. Oleksii Hodzenko, press officer for the brigade’s drone battalion, stated Russian forces are attempting to ‘erase the town from the face of the earth’ through relentless aerial assaults using 500-kilogram glide bombs, attack drones, and sustained artillery barrages.
The tactical situation has deteriorated to the point where standard military logistics have become nearly impossible. While Ukrainian command confirms supply lines are being maintained through innovative methods—including ground-robot drones delivering essential provisions—personnel rotations occur only rarely, leaving defenders entrenched for weeks without relief.
This devastation follows Russia’s disputed claim of capturing Pokrovsk, a declaration firmly rejected by Ukraine’s military leadership. Colonel Volodymyr Polevyi of the 7th Corps Assault Brigade confirmed ongoing combat operations in Pokrovsk’s northern districts, contradicting Moscow’s victory assertions.
The humanitarian toll is catastrophic. Myrnohrad, once home to 46,000 residents, now stands largely empty after more than two years of full-scale invasion, mirroring the fate of numerous eastern Ukrainian communities.
Amid the battlefield developments, Kremlin officials signaled that recent territorial gains have strengthened Russia’s diplomatic position. Presidential aide Yurii Ushakov stated military successes have positively influenced negotiations regarding a U.S.-drafted peace proposal.
Ukrainian forces continue to appeal for sustained Western military support, emphasizing that adequate assistance remains critical to preventing broader regional escalation.