Russia Pushes Forward in Ukraine's Pokrovsk, as Kyiv Fights to Hold Ground

Image Source: Internet

Russian forces have reportedly made gains in the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, according to Moscow's Defence Ministry. However, the Ukrainian military disputes these claims, stating they have successfully repelled 57 Russian assaults in the past day and continue to destroy Russian units inside the city. The conflict in Ukraine's eastern regions remains intense, with Russian forces pushing forward in several areas, including Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia. The US is reportedly discussing a potential peace plan to end the conflict, which has been the deadliest in Europe since World War Two. Taking Pokrovsk, described as the 'gateway to Donetsk' by Russian media, would give Russia a strategic advantage in driving north towards the remaining Ukrainian-controlled cities in the Donetsk region. Russian maps suggest the city is under their control, with Ukrainian troops allegedly encircled in nearby Myrnohrad. In contrast, Ukrainian maps portray Pokrovsk as a disputed area, with neither side in control. Russian forces have advanced in central and northern Pokrovsk, as well as to the east, west, and south of Myrnohrad. The village of Vasiukivka, southeast of Siversk, has also been taken, part of a pincer movement aimed at encircling the town. Russia's Defence Ministry claims its forces have also breached Ukrainian lines north of Huliaipole in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. The Kremlin has shifted its tactics in recent months, adopting pincer movements to reduce casualties and pressure Kyiv's troops into withdrawing or risking encirclement. The outcome of these battles remains unclear, with both sides presenting differing accounts of the situation on the ground.