Ukrainian Armed Forces are holding positions on the outskirts of Marinka

During the briefing, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny made this statement.

He mentioned that Ukrainian troops had been defending Marinka for almost two years, but the enemy had caused significant damage to the city.

Zaluzhny emphasized the importance of protecting every piece of Ukrainian land but stated that when enemy shells begin to overturn the soil on this small piece of land, the lives of Ukrainian soldiers become more important.

He noted that Ukrainian forces continue defensive battles on other fronts.

As of December 13, 2022, Russian forces controlled 70% of Marinka, while Ukrainian forces held the western half of the city. Denis Pushilin, the leader of the self-proclaimed “DPR,” claimed that Russian forces would soon take control of Marinka. The head of the Donetsk region, Pavlo Kyrylenko, stated on December 22 that Marinka and the adjacent territories were “unsuitable for living” and that there were “no houses left” there.

On December 24, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed success in Marinka, although Ukrainian forces were deeply entrenched in the city center. Ukraine stated that it repelled Russian assaults in Marinka.

Photo: OP