Battle for Pokrovsk: The Gateway to Donetsk

Russian forces are making a concerted push to encircle Pokrovsk, a strategically significant city in eastern Ukraine, after capturing several nearby villages. Ukrainian forces are resisting the advance, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy implementing military leadership changes to bolster the city's defense.

Pokrovsk, which had a pre-war population of 60,000, is now mostly deserted as fierce fighting continues. The city serves as a vital road and rail hub for supplying embattled eastern outposts. The Ukrainian military is working tirelessly to uphold their position, despite relentless Russian artillery, drone strikes, and ground assaults.

The struggle for Pokrovsk is crucial for control over the Donetsk region. Capturing the city would allow Russia to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines and bolster efforts to seize more territory. Ukrainian defenses, however, are standing firm, although evacuation efforts for the remaining residents face significant challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)