Battle for the Ruins: Struggle to Control Pokrovsk

Russian and Ukrainian forces engaged in intense combat in Pokrovsk, eastern Ukraine, an essential logistics hub. Russia claims advances in Pokrovsk and Kupiansk, but Ukraine denies encirclement. With stalled peace talks, Russia pushes for control of strategic cities in Donetsk, though progress remains contested.

In the ongoing conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces, the strategic city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine has become a focal point of battle. Russian troops aim to capture this logistics hub, crucial for coordination on the front lines.

The Ukrainian military confirmed fierce clashes in the city, deploying additional forces and equipment to bolster their defense. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces were making headway, having cleared several buildings of Ukrainian presence. Concurrent activities around Kupiansk suggest a broader effort to tighten control.

Despite these claims, Ukraine has refuted any notion of encirclement as peace negotiations stall. Mapping projects like DeepState indicate that control over Pokrovsk remains contested, with Russian advances yet to secure a decisive hold.

(With inputs from agencies.)