By Matt Underwood The Myrnohrad defense, as of December 23, 2025, is holding strong. Ukrainian forces are successfully repelling Russian assaults on the approaches to the city. This is the crucial update. Their effectiveness in eliminating Russian assault groups is a key factor in the current stalemate. The information suggests the frontline is within a few kilometers.
The fighting around Pokrovsk is particularly intense, especially since the Ukrainian forces control the northern part of the city. Over the past day, the defenders successfully fought off 58 separate Russian attacks, inflicting significant casualties. The losses are substantial; the military reports 132 Russian troops killed in action within that timeframe.
The current situation is viewed as a “gray zone” around both Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, where neither side has established definitive control. This is a critical element in the overall war strategy, resembling a grinding war of attrition. The tactic of establishing strong defensive positions like this is to force the enemy to attack across open ground, turning their advance into a killing zone.
This defense isn’t just about holding territory. It’s about making the Russian offensive incredibly costly in terms of resources and manpower. By forcing the Russians to expend these resources for minimal territorial gains, the Ukrainian strategy aims to limit the effectiveness of Russian artillery. This ultimately serves to degrade the enemy’s ability to maintain a sustained offensive.
The discussion frequently shifts to the larger strategic implications of the war. There’s a strong sentiment that Russia’s strategy is unsustainable. The use of a large portion of its economy to support the war effort, alongside the continuous loss of manpower, raises questions about its long-term viability. Many believe that Russia could run out of funds to sustain its troops before it runs out of soldiers to send into combat.
The possibility of Russia opening a second front by invading the Baltic states is also mentioned. Such a move is met with skepticism, given the significant losses in Ukraine and the logistical strain on the Russian military. The comment that Russia is already pushing out of Pokrovsk, as noted by the user, adds another layer to the strategic complexities.
The potential for a wider conflict involving NATO is a recurring concern. Some feel the United States’ willingness to support Ukraine could be affected. If Russia were to engage with NATO directly, this support could cease entirely and shift into an act of direct military confrontation.
Ukraine’s use of drones is seen as a significant advantage in the conflict. The ongoing development and deployment of land drones, in addition to aerial drones, is changing the battlefield dynamics. These systems are used to establish and hold defensive positions, transforming villages into remote kill zones.
The issue of conscription, or the lack thereof, in Ukraine is discussed. The fact that younger men haven’t been sent to the front lines yet is seen as a key aspect of holding ground. Concerns are voiced over this strategy since Ukraine’s manpower reserves are limited, unlike Russia’s.
There are many expressions of sympathy for the human cost of the conflict, and some expressing their frustration with the war. The constant cycle of attacks and losses is acknowledged as deeply depressing.
The discussion also touches upon the internal dynamics of Russia’s leadership. The prevalence of misinformation and the “lies from the bottom up” create an environment where the leadership is disconnected from reality. This distorted view of the situation could lead to miscalculations and ultimately, poor strategic decisions.
Russia’s reliance on cheap, mass-produced drones is mentioned. The potential for these drones to wear down Ukrainian defenses is acknowledged. The anticipation is that Russia will attempt to overwhelm Ukraine’s drone capabilities by sheer quantity, potentially leading to a long-term advantage on the battlefield.
There’s the overall conclusion that Europe could suffer from this war if Russia develops a combat-tested drone corps.