Entire Russian Armored Column Destroyed Trying To Attack Pokrovsk

Russian forces attempting to attack the Ukrainian held northern sector of Pokrovsk with an armored column were largely destroyed by Ukrainian artillery and drones. 

This appears to be the latest concerted attack by Russia in order to realize Putin's premature claim that the city was taken, but this effort also seems to have failed. JL

Valentyna Romanenko reports in Ukraine Pravda and Censor.net reports:

Ukrainian artillery destroyed a column of enemy equipment with infantry attempting to advance on Pokrovsk. The 68th Ranger Brigade destroyed the first Russian armoured vehicle. After this, other units, including artillery, began striking Russian equipment and personnel. Videos show Russian equipment standing on the road and Russian infantry wandering on the side of the road. A moment later, the Russians are attacked with cluster munitions. The attack continues with a series of explosions, and then a Ukrainian drone flies over the battlefield and captures about a dozen burning enemy vehicles. "The destruction of enemy equipment and manpower is ongoing."

Ukrainian units have been repelling a Russian mechanised assault on the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast.  Ukrainian artillerymen destroyed a column of enemy equipment with infantrymen.

A video recording of the successful combat operation by Ukrainian soldiers has been published on social media. 

The first frames of the recording show Russian equipment standing on the road and occupying infantrymen wandering on the side of the road. A moment later, the Russians are attacked, presumably with cluster munitions, which hit the infantry. The attack continues with a series of explosions and hits, and then a Ukrainian drone flies over the battlefield and records the result. The UAV camera captures about a dozen burning enemy vehicles. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3589850

Details: It was reported that the Russians began active operations early in the morning, trying to use adverse weather conditions to their advantage.

For the assault, they deployed armoured vehicles, cars and motorbikes. Columns attempted to break through from the south towards the northern part of the city.

Video by 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces

At the same time, as stated in the report, units in the defensive zone of the 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces, having anticipated Russia's assault actions, began repelling the attack in an organised manner. The 68th Separate Ranger Brigade named after Oleksa Dovbush destroyed the first Russian armoured vehicle. After this, other units, including artillery, began striking Russian equipment and personnel.

"The destruction of enemy equipment and manpower is ongoing," the military reported.

Early information indicates units of Russia's 76th Pskov Air Assault Division are involved in the assault.

Quote from 7th Rapid Response Corps: "Defensive operations in Pokrovsk agglomeration continue. Various components of the defence forces are involved in the defence – Air Assault Forces, assault units, Unmanned Systems, Special Operations Forces, Security Service of Ukraine, National Guard, National Police.

Logistics remains complicated. To strengthen our supply capabilities, an operation is underway to expand logistics corridors in the town of Myrnohrad."

Background: Ukrainska Pravda earlier reported that as of 8 December, most of Pokrovsk had been under Russian forces' control. The Russians also entered Myrnohrad from several sides. The "corridor" through which Myrnohrad can be reached is under partial control of Russian drones.