Fiercest Battles Erupt in Eastern Ukraine's Pokrovsk

Russian forces are intensifying their attacks near Ukraine's strategic city of Pokrovsk, focusing on a key supply route. Despite heavy assaults, Ukrainian troops have resisted numerous attacks. Residents in the region, including many from nearby war-torn towns, are reluctantly evacuating due to the worsening conflict.

Russian forces have intensified their assaults near Ukraine's strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk, concentrating on a critical supply route as the invasion extends beyond 29 months. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that the fiercest fighting is happening in the war-scarred east, where Ukrainian troops repelled 52 Russian attacks in the last 24 hours.

Pokrovsk, a key transport hub with a pre-war population of 61,000, is an important supply route for other Ukrainian-held towns like Chasiv Yar and Kostiantynivka. While some residents have fled, others have relocated to Pokrovsk from other conflict zones. Serhiy Dobriak, head of the city's military administration, mentioned that the city is now just 20 km from the front line, prompting many residents to evacuate.

To the northeast of Pokrovsk, Russian troops have advanced closer to the strategic road, with Moscow claiming control over the village of Lozuvatske, situated 6 km from it. The Russian Defense Ministry also claimed to have taken villages east of Pokrovsk, although Ukraine has not commented on this. The ongoing conflict has resulted in casualties and evacuations, adding to the already dire situation in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)