Russia’s defense ministry announced that its forces have made advancements in the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, engaging in intense house-to-house battles to remove Ukrainian troops. Russia aims to capture Pokrovsk, which is viewed as important for advancing towards Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, the last major Ukrainian-controlled cities in the Donetsk region. Currently, Ukraine retains control over about 10% of the Donbas area, around 5,000 square kilometers.
Russia has long threatened Pokrovsk, employing a strategic encirclement approach instead of direct assaults, in contrast to how it took control of Bakhmut in 2023. Ukraine, while acknowledging the worsening situation, insists it is still fighting in Pokrovsk without being surrounded. Russia claims to have seized 64 buildings in the past day and has thwarted Ukrainian attacks to the west.
Russian forces are closing in on Pokrovsk and are also advancing towards Ukrainian positions in Kupiansk. Commentary from war analysts suggests that while Russia may have tactical control of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian forces in nearby Myrnohrad are heavily fortified. The Donbas region has been pivotal in the ongoing conflict since 2014, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Experts emphasize the operational significance of Pokrovsk, noting that its fall could lead to the loss of Myrnohrad while pointing out that controlling it does not guarantee quick access to Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Russia claims to now control over 19% of Ukraine’s territory.
With information from Reuters
