Brutal urban combat continued in Myrnohrad Wednesday as Russian forces advanced through the strategic eastern town, with Moscow’s military leadership claiming control of 30% of the area. Russian General Valery Gerasimov reported that President Putin had ordered completion of the town’s capture, while Ukrainian sources confirmed intense street-to-street fighting with catastrophic conditions for defenders. A Ukrainian military source recently returned from Myrnohrad described the situation as “absolute hell,” underscoring the desperate battlefield reality behind ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
Russian forces simultaneously maintained their assault on nearby Pokrovsk, employing armoured vehicles, cars, and motorcycles to storm the city’s northern districts. Moscow claims complete control of Pokrovsk while Ukrainian officials maintain they still hold northern sections, with combat continuing across the disputed areas. The Russian offensive against these strategic cities represents part of broader military operations aimed at consolidating control over territories that President Trump’s reported peace plan would potentially allow Moscow to retain permanently.
The deteriorating military situation strengthens Russia’s negotiating position as diplomatic pressure intensifies on Ukraine from multiple directions. President Trump has questioned whether President Zelenskyy has even read his peace proposal and suggested the Ukrainian leader may not accept its terms, while claiming Russia appears comfortable with the draft plan. Russian officials have enthusiastically endorsed Trump’s initiative, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praising the American president’s understanding of the conflict and Putin personally hosting White House envoys for extended Kremlin discussions.
President Zelenskyy will present an updated peace framework during Thursday’s coalition video conference, attempting to counter American proposals and rally support from approximately 30 allied nations. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that this week could bring significant developments while stressing fundamental questions about compelling Russia to stop attacks and preventing future invasions. European leaders have been developing security guarantees for Ukraine in case a peace agreement materializes, though substantial commitments from western nations remain uncertain.
The combination of battlefield losses and diplomatic isolation creates unprecedented challenges for Ukrainian leadership. Zelenskyy recently dismissed his chief of staff Andriy Yermak over corruption allegations, removing his closest advisor during this critical period. Trump added to these pressures by demanding Ukraine hold elections and questioning Zelenskyy’s democratic legitimacy, prompting the Ukrainian president to declare readiness for elections within 60 to 90 days despite martial law prohibitions. As Russian forces gain territory and international support wavers, Ukraine’s ability to resist unfavorable peace terms continues diminishing, potentially forcing acceptance of significant territorial concessions that would reward Russian aggression.