Ukraine’s Skala Regiment Holds Line at Pishchane Mine Near Pokrovsk

Ukrainian forces from the Skala 425th Separate Assault Regiment are defending the settlement of Pishchane, located near Pokrovsk, as Russian troops attempt to seize control of a local mining complex.

According to video footage the regiment’s press service released, Russian forces continue efforts to concentrate in the area of the Pishchane mine — a sprawling facility with reinforced structures that could provide cover from Ukrainian artillery and drones.

The site is seen as a potential staging ground for further assaults on Pokrovsk’s outskirts.

In response, the Skala regiment deployed an assault group transported in Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, supported by tanks.

The IFVs delivered Ukrainian infantry close to Russian positions, leading to direct clashes.

After the landing, direct fire contact took place.

Ukrainian troops forced Russian forces out of one of the mine’s hangars, disrupting their ability to reinforce.

Russian units have since attempted to reclaim the position, operating in small groups and using underground passages and rooftops to flank Ukrainian defenses.

Despite persistent attacks, the regiment reports that the coordinated use of infantry and drones has prevented Russian forces from consolidating their presence. Fighting in the area remains ongoing.

Skala’s combat work in the Pokrovsk area

The Pishchane offensive follows intense clashes in the nearby settlement of Shevchenko.

Ukrainian officials reported that since March, Russian forces have suffered over 1,100 casualties in that sector.

After Russian troops captured Shevchenko, enabling them to approach Pokrovsk, Ukrainian forces launched an assault on March 3.

Skala regiment tanks targeted Russian positions, followed by reconnaissance teams on ATVs who cleared mines to allow access for heavier armor—IFVs and tanks. Active combat operations to liberate the settlement started at this moment.

The operation to regain Shevchenko lasted six days, with the fiercest fighting centered around key defensive positions in two-story buildings, a school, and a cultural center. The enemy had set up the main defense units in these buildings.

Ukrainian forces secured most of the settlement by March 9, after which reinforcement groups were deployed.

Russian counterattacks have continued since then and remain ongoing.