Russian troops are making a concerted push in eastern Ukraine and have gained a foothold in the strategic hub of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says. Moscow's soldiers outnumber Kyiv's 8-1 in the area and Ukraine cannot match that, Zelensky added while insisting Russia had not yet 'achieved the planned result.' Russia has been trying to capture Pokrovsk for two years, which serves as a key supply and transport hub providing essential resources to the eastern front, moving Moscow closer to occupying the entirety of the Donetsk region. This would also increase the threat to heavily fortified towns like Kramatorsk, Slovyansk, and Druzhkivka.
Zelensky noted that drone imagery showed around 200 Russian soldiers inside Pokrovsk. He described the situation as 'difficult,' with continued fierce fighting and reports of 'sabotage groups' entering the town. However, he disputed claims by Russia's Chief of General Staff, Gen Valery Gerasimov, that Ukrainian troops had been entirely encircled. On Tuesday, the Russian defense ministry claimed it had encircled Ukrainian units near the main railway station in Pokrovsk.
One soldier from Ukraine's 155th Brigade, Artem Pribylnov, countered the encirclement claims, suggesting that the realities of modern warfare and drone technology have changed the landscape significantly. Despite being challenged by poor weather conditions impacting visibility for drone operations, Ukrainian forces have reportedly repelled 79 attacks near Pokrovsk.
The ongoing conflict, now into its fifth year since Russia's full-scale invasion, highlights the immense costs associated with minor territorial gains. The situation is further compounded by Ukraine's urgent need for continued financial support from European allies, as President Zelensky has expressed the necessity for stable assistance to sustain the fight against Russian forces.
Zelensky noted that drone imagery showed around 200 Russian soldiers inside Pokrovsk. He described the situation as 'difficult,' with continued fierce fighting and reports of 'sabotage groups' entering the town. However, he disputed claims by Russia's Chief of General Staff, Gen Valery Gerasimov, that Ukrainian troops had been entirely encircled. On Tuesday, the Russian defense ministry claimed it had encircled Ukrainian units near the main railway station in Pokrovsk.
One soldier from Ukraine's 155th Brigade, Artem Pribylnov, countered the encirclement claims, suggesting that the realities of modern warfare and drone technology have changed the landscape significantly. Despite being challenged by poor weather conditions impacting visibility for drone operations, Ukrainian forces have reportedly repelled 79 attacks near Pokrovsk.
The ongoing conflict, now into its fifth year since Russia's full-scale invasion, highlights the immense costs associated with minor territorial gains. The situation is further compounded by Ukraine's urgent need for continued financial support from European allies, as President Zelensky has expressed the necessity for stable assistance to sustain the fight against Russian forces.
