A Ukrainian soldier fights near Pokrovsk, Photo: Pablo Miranzo / AFP
Russian troops continue massive attacks near the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, trying to bypass it from the south and cut off supply routes for Ukrainian troops. This was stated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Reuters reports.
Strategic importance of Pokrovsk
The capture of Pokrovsk, an important railway and road junction, could significantly complicate the situation for the Ukrainian army on the eastern front. This would allow Russia to strengthen its positions and push the front line further west.
“The Pokrovsk area remains the hottest spot: Russians made 34 attacks over the past 24 hours and tried to break through our defences south of the town,” Viktor Tregubov, spokesman for the Khortytsia military group, said on Ukrainian television.
Before the outbreak of the full-scale war, about 60,000 people lived in Pokrovsk. Today, it is estimated that around 11,000 residents remain in the city. Pokrovsk is also the location of the only mine in Ukraine that supplies coking coal to the steel industry.
Russia’s tactics: Bypassing cities and blocking logistics
According to Tregubov, Russian troops are trying to avoid direct confrontation in urban areas and are trying to block logistical routes by sending small groups of troops to settlements south of Pokrovsk.
“They are avoiding urban fighting, instead trying to surround the city and disrupt the logistics chains,” the spokesman explained.
Ukrainian forces are actively using drones and high-precision weapons to deter the enemy’s advance.
Drone attacks in Ukraine
At the same time, Russia carried out massive kamikaze drone attacks, striking a number of regions, including Kherson, where at least three people were injured.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that the enemy launched 81 drones, including Iranian Shahed. Of these, 34 were destroyed by air defence forces. In the regions of Chornobyl and Sumy, fragments of downed drones damaged private homes.
In Kherson, according to the head of the city’s military administration, Roman Mrochko, the attack targeted the suburbs, particularly Antonivka, where two men and one woman were wounded.
Ukrainian forces continue to hold the line in key areas, preventing further enemy advances.
