Ukrainska armén omringade i staden Pokrovsk

Russian forces are tightening their grip around the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, where intense street fighting has left Ukrainian troops at risk of encirclement. According to Reuters, Russian units have advanced into the city’s southern districts after days of heavy artillery fire and drone strikes, while Ukrainian commanders insist their forces are still holding defensive positions despite mounting pressure.

The Guardian reports that Ukraine has deployed special forces to reinforce the city, describing Pokrovsk as a crucial logistics and transport hub connecting the Donetsk front with central Ukraine. Analysts cited by the Financial Times note that control of Pokrovsk would give Russia a significant tactical advantage and could open a pathway for deeper incursions into Ukrainian-held territory.

While Moscow claims its troops have surrounded the city, Ukrainian officials deny this, saying supply routes remain open and counterattacks are underway. The Associated Press quotes Ukrainian sources calling the situation “critical but not hopeless,” emphasizing that morale among defenders remains high.

Military observers warn that Pokrovsk could become one of the defining battles of this phase of the war — a test of Ukraine’s capacity to hold the east under relentless Russian assault.