As a result of the rapid advance of Russian forces in the Pokrovsk direction, the commander of the operational-tactical group "Donetsk" of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Brigadier General Alexander Lutsenko, was removed from his post. According to the Financial Times, under his leadership, Ukrainian troops were unable to stop the large-scale offensive, during which over the past month an area comparable in size to half of London was lost.

Brigadier General Alexander Tarnavsky has been appointed to replace Lutsenko. Previously, he headed the operational-strategic group of troops "Tavria" and took part in the defense of Avdiivka.

Lutsenko's removal occurred against the backdrop of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Pokrovsk, where he heard a report from the commander of the Donetsk Joint Forces Troops on the general situation in the area of ​​responsibility and the details of the defense of key areas.

Tarnavsky's appointment demonstrates the desire of the Ukrainian military leadership to strengthen defenses on the eastern front and stop the advance of Russian troops.

Earlier, in October 2024, President Zelenskyy awarded Lutsenko the rank of brigadier general. However, recent events have shown the need for changes in command to improve the effectiveness of defensive operations.