Russia announced that its forces are advancing deeper into the eastern Ukrainian cities of Pokrovsk and Kupiansk. A video showed Russian soldiers using motorbikes and battered vehicles to enter Pokrovsk. Russian media refers to Pokrovsk as “the gateway to Donetsk,” and capturing it could facilitate an attack on the larger Ukrainian cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
For over a year, Russia has aimed to encircle Pokrovsk using a strategy that focuses on blocking supply lines rather than direct assaults, as seen in the earlier battle for Bakhmut. A video from Russian war bloggers displayed troops entering Pokrovsk in foggy conditions, likening the scene to the movie “Mad Max.” Although the location has been confirmed as Pokrovsk, the date of the footage remains unverified.
Ukraine’s military claims that around 300 Russian soldiers are currently in Pokrovsk, with Moscow increasing its troop presence by using fog as cover from drones. Ukrainian forces continue to fight against Russian groups in the city. The battle has seen significant urban conflict, with Russia claiming to have taken control of 256 buildings and advancing towards the northwest and east of Pokrovsk.
Russia and Ukraine provide conflicting reports about control of Pokrovsk, with Moscow asserting that the city is encircled while Kyiv denies that it has fallen under Russian control and maintains supply routes to nearby areas. Both sides acknowledge that Russia has been implementing a pincer maneuver around the city, although Ukraine is conducting counterattacks.
Additionally, Russia claims to have full control of eastern Kupiansk and the settlement of Novouspenivske in the Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainian forces have reportedly retreated from some villages due to intense shelling. Russia states it currently controls over 19% of Ukraine, marking a slight increase in territorial control.
With information from Reuters
