Official statements from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense or credible international news agencies

Ukraine Replaces General Oleksandr Lutsenko as Russia Advances Toward Pokrovsk, Captures Veselyi Hai and Pushkino

Dec 15, 2024, 09:10 AM

Ukraine's military leadership has dismissed General Oleksandr Lutsenko, the commander overseeing operations in the eastern Donetsk region, amid significant Russian advances toward the strategic city of Pokrovsk. The decision to replace Lutsenko comes as Russian forces push closer, reportedly just one mile from Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub. Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi has been appointed to take over the command in an effort to bolster Ukraine's defenses as the situation deteriorates. Recent reports indicate that Russian troops have made substantial territorial gains, capturing two villages, Veselyi Hai and Pushkino, in the Donetsk region. The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed these advancements, asserting control over critical areas as fighting intensifies.