Ukrainian Ground Forces commander refutes Russia’s claims to have established control of Marinka

Ukrainian forces are holding back Russian troops near Marinka, as the Kremlin sources claim to have gained full control of the wiped-out town in the Donetsk region.

The Ground Forces commander Oleksandr Tarnavsky turned down Russian information.

"We continue to hold back the enemy in the areas of Novomykhailivka and Krasnohorivka – 11 attacks were repelled," he said.

As the situation remains tense, Russian forces regroup to prepare for new assaults on the town, aiming to have it captured by the presidential elections. 

"They continue to spread information and provocations about the alleged complete capture of this town. The defense of Marinka is ongoing," the commander added.

Being close to the occupied Donetsk since 2014,  fierce fighting unraveled on the day of Russia's all-out invasion. During this time, the entire infrastructure of the town was completely destroyed.

In early December, British intelligence reported that Russian troops were gradually advancing through the ruins of Marinka, now appearing to control most of the built-up area.

The UK analysts claim that the Russian army now controls most of the city's buildings, with small areas on the western outskirts remaining under the control of Ukrainian forces. British experts add that the current Russian operations are part of the autumn offensive, the priority of which is to expand control over the rest of the Donetsk region.

In a previous report, the UK MoD reported that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has lost more than 300,000 troops, though even Kremlin officials do not know the exact number of dead.

Russian forces have been trying to capture the town of Avdiivka for almost two months since the beginning of October. The UK intelligence noted that the Russian army suffered heavy losses near Avdiivka, but reached no significant progress in three frontline areas.