At Pokrovsk, Ukraine Wipes Out 120 Russian Troops, Drones Destroy Rocket Battery

Russia's spring offensive launched in the Pokrovsk sector with the same lack of success as it did in Zaporizhzhia: an attacking Russian infantry company was annihilated and an entire battery of Grad rocket launchers was destroyed. 

Following the losses suffered in their failed winter offensive, the Kremlin appears to be wholly unprepared for the spring in every sector where they have attempted to attack so far. JL

Valentyna Romanenko reports in Ukraine Pravda and Ivan Khomenko reports in United24:

The Russian command deployed significant forces to the latest assault on the Pokrovsk front. The Russians were counting on taking advantage of rainy weather (but) in 48 hours the 3rd Ukrainian Spartan Brigade stopped the offensive and destroyed a company-sized force of 120 Russian troops. (At the same time) Ukrainian drone operators destroyed a full battery of Russian BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket systems on the Pokrovsk axis, in a coordinated strike involving multiple units. On March 19, the operation was carried out in coordination with drone and reconnaissance elements. Six Grad systems— a full battery—were eliminated during the strike.

The Russian command deployed significant forces to the assault on the Pokrovsk front. The Russians were counting on taking advantage of rainy weather. Their infantrymen attempted to advance in cars, on motorcycles and on quad bikes.

However, the 3rd Spartan Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard, together with adjacent units, stopped the offensive and destroyed a company-sized force. Over 48 hours, Russian troops suffered significant losses: 120 assault troops were wiped out and six were wounded.   

(At the same time) Ukrainian drone operators have destroyed a full battery of Russian BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket systems on the Pokrovsk axis, in what appears to be a coordinated strike involving multiple units. 

According to Lasar’s Group of the National Guard of Ukraine on March 19, the operation was carried out in coordination with drone and reconnaissance elements. The unit reported that six Grad systems—equivalent to a full battery—were eliminated during the strike.

The operation followed joint analytical work with the 2nd Battalion “Shchedryk” of the 411th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “Yastruby.” Ukrainian forces first identified the deployment area of the Russian systems before transferring targeting data to drone operators. 

“After that, our comrades conducted reconnaissance of the enemy’s deployment area and provided the information to Lasar’s Group,” the unit said.

Strike drones were then deployed against the targets. According to the unit, all six BM-21 Grad systems were destroyed in precision strikes, significantly reducing Russian fire capabilities in the area.

The BM-21 Grad is a widely used Soviet-designed multiple launch rocket system capable of firing up to 40 rockets in approximately 20 seconds, with an effective range of 20 to 40 kilometers depending on the munition type. Its mobility allows crews to rapidly relocate after firing to avoid counter-battery strikes. 

According to Lasar’s Group, Russian forces had attempted to conceal the systems in the area, but Ukrainian reconnaissance units were able to detect their positions. Footage released by the unit shows camouflaged launchers being targeted and destroyed.

The targeted equipment was reportedly located within the operational zone of the 7th Air Assault Corps. Russian forces have regularly used Grad systems on the Pokrovsk direction to strike Ukrainian positions, making them a priority target for counter-fire operations.

Earlier, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces carried out overnight strikes on Russian military infrastructure in occupied Crimea and the Zaporizhzhia region, hitting a missile command post, elements of an S-400 air defense system, and an ammunition depot, according to the SSO.

Ukrainian forces also destroyed seven quad bikes, four motorcycles, and three vehicles.

As previously reported, the settlements of Fedorivka Druha, Kleban-Byk, Pleshchiivka, and Ivanopillia in the Donetsk region remain under Ukrainian control