Ukraine Repels Russian Assaults, Strikes Crimean Bridges; Frontline Dynamics Detailed

Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian armored breakthrough attempt in the Pokrovsk sector and regained control of two settlements over the past week. Separately, Ukraine conducted airstrikes on multiple bridges in northwestern Crimea, disrupting logistics to the occupied peninsula.

Reports from Ukrainian and Russian sources describe continued heavy fighting, logistical challenges for Russian troops, and a stable but significant disparity in personnel numbers along the front.

Pokrovsk Sector: Russian Breakthrough Halted

In the Pokrovsk direction, Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian offensive involving mobile assault groups. The engagement lasted two days, according to Ukraine’s Joint Forces Group, which reported on February 9 that aerial reconnaissance from the Spartan unit detected Russian movements. Ukrainian units engaged the offensive, reportedly destroying a Russian assault company and associated equipment. A standard Russian company may number between 45 and 360 personnel, depending on the unit type.

"Russian forces in the Pokrovsk direction are suffering losses due to frostbite."

A Ukrainian serviceman operating the Telegram channel “Military” stated on February 9 that logistics are at a minimal level, with personnel allegedly remaining in dugouts for weeks. The serviceman reported frequent amputations among Russian personnel, sometimes occurring without evacuation. He further stated that Russian troops have expressed concerns regarding a lack of body armor, and Ukrainian forces have observed assaults conducted without protective gear.

According to the same source, Russian losses are a primary concern among personnel. One reported instance cited 7 survivors out of a group of 40. The serviceman indicated that Russian units are not conducting assaults with the same intensity as three months prior. He stated that Ukraine continues to experience a personnel shortage.

"Even with an average loss ratio of 1 to 10, the personnel ratio remains at approximately 1 to 5-6, indicating 60 Russian soldiers for every 10 Ukrainian soldiers."

Tactical Gains: Ternuvate and Chuhunivka

Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, stated that Ukraine has cleared the village of Ternuvate. A video was posted showing Ukrainian soldiers with a national flag near a village entry sign. Russian forces had previously claimed control of Ternuvate in late January.

Ukrainian officials confirmed that a Russian sabotage group had briefly entered the settlement during adverse weather conditions before being cleared by Ukrainian forces, who reported eliminating one Russian group and capturing another.

In a separate operation, Ukrainian troops removed Russian forces from Chuhunivka, located approximately 500 meters from the Russian border. The 16th Army Corps reported that Russian soldiers attempted to bypass Ukrainian defenses during inclement weather but were detected by reconnaissance drones.

The Shkval specialized rifle company was deployed to clear the village, resulting in some Russian troops surrendering. The corps stated that the settlement is under the control of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. South of the village, a 'gray zone' exists characterized by active fighting and uncertain control.

Strikes on Crimean Bridges and Infrastructure

Ukraine struck four bridges over the North Crimean Canal in northwestern Crimea overnight on February 6, according to multiple reports. The targeted bridges are located near Preobrazhenka, Myrne, Perekop-Armiansk, and Stavky. Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-appointed governor of the occupied Kherson region, confirmed the strikes and stated that Russian forces shot down 45 Ukrainian drones. Casualties and the extent of damage are being assessed.

The Perekop Isthmus is the only land connection between Crimea and southern Ukraine. Ukrainian journalist Andriy Tsaplienko reported that Russian public channels stated logistics via the land corridor were cut. The pro-Ukrainian account Crimean Wind reported that the Armiansk bridge is open only to private cars and that a nearby water pipeline was destroyed.

"QR codes for purchasing limited petrol were deactivated in Sevastopol due to an inability to deliver fuel."

Some petrol stations are without fuel, and black market prices have reportedly doubled to 180-250 roubles per liter.

Wider Frontline and Strategic Overview

Russian and analyst accounts indicate that Ukrainian forces have advanced north of Lyman, occupying forest belts near Shandryholove-Lypove. Analyst Clément Molin reported that Ukrainian forces also liberated Ivanivka and Novopalivka near Velyka Novosilka.

AFU Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky stated last week that approximately a quarter of frontline engagements are initiated by Ukrainian forces. He added that Kyiv is conducting offensive and counteroffensive operations to maintain pressure on Russian troops.

"Russian forces did not achieve major operational gains in January."

Syrsky noted that in 2025, Ukrainian troops conducted three offensive operations—two in Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions and one in the Dobropillya sector—which reportedly disrupted Russian plans related to Donetsk and the establishment of 'buffer zones.'

Syrsky estimated that Russia currently has approximately 711,000-712,000 troops in Ukraine, a number that has remained stable for six months, despite reported recruitment targets being met. He reported daily Russian losses average 1,000-1,100 personnel.

"Russia’s strategic goal is the capture of all Ukraine, with plans to mobilize approximately 409,000 troops in 2026 and establish at least 11 new divisions."

Russia recruited 71,216 contract soldiers in the first quarter of 2026, averaging about 800 per day, per federal budget data. This is lower than the 89,601 recruited in the first quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2024. Colonel Naran Ochir-Goryayev, a decorated "Hero of Russia," was killed, confirmed by Caucasus media.