Camilla Jessen
Russian troops ‘injuring themselves’ to avoid Pokrovsk assaults.
New claims from a Ukrainian partisan group suggest Russian troops near Pokrovsk are resorting to extreme measures to escape repeated assault orders.
Claims of self-inflicted wounds
The partisan movement Atesh said on Telegram that a military hospital in Donetsk has seen a surge in wounded soldiers from the 1441st Motorized Rifle Regiment.
According to the group, the injuries are “atypical,” and some troops have admitted they harmed themselves to avoid being sent on assaults.
Atesh alleges that Russian soldiers are ordered to attack Ukrainian positions “at all costs,” often without proper training, fortifications, equipment or logistical support.
Refusal, they claim, can lead to loss of pay or imprisonment.
In these conditions, some soldiers reportedly attempt to injure themselves in hopes of being hospitalized. Atesh adds that not all succeed in avoiding combat; some are treated and then sent straight back to the frontline.
Reports of low morale and internal strain
RBC Ukraine cites Atesh as saying that parts of the Russian army are experiencing a “deep morale and command crisis.” The movement argues that fear of orders, anger toward commanders and internal tensions are weakening combat effectiveness.
Meanwhile, the 7th Air Assault Corps said Ukrainian forces continue to hold their positions around Pokrovsk.
Troops are maintaining air cover to secure ground supply routes, claiming that nearly all approaching Russian air targets are being intercepted.
Slow Russian advance
Military analysts note that Russia’s push on Pokrovsk has been far slower and harder than expected. The front is now heavily saturated with attack drones, turning the war into a grinding battle of attrition in which territorial gains are rare.
Russia launched a new offensive in late 2023 and now holds roughly 19.2% of Ukraine. Pokrovsk, on high ground in Donetsk, would be the first major city captured since Avdiivka fell in early 2024.
Much of it is already destroyed, with an estimated 1,200 residents remaining.
Sources: Atesh (via Telegram); RBC Ukraine.
