Fierce Battle for Pokrovsk: Russian Forces Claim Control

Russian forces claim control over 6,585 buildings in Pokrovsk amid intense conflict with Ukraine. Moscow aims to dominate the Donbas region. While Russia claims to surround the city, Ukraine reports continued resistance and intense city center battles. Independent verification of these claims remains pending.

Russian forces have reportedly cleared Ukrainian troops from 6,585 buildings in Pokrovsk during a week of fierce combat, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. This move is part of Moscow's efforts to assert full control over the city, known to Russians by its Soviet-era name of Krasnoarmeysk, and advance its objectives in the wider Donbas industrial region.

President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that Russian forces had successfully surrounded Pokrovsk and controlled approximately 70% of it. However, Ukrainian officials countered, asserting that their forces are resisting strongly, with ongoing ferocious battles taking place in the city's center.

The Russian Defence Ministry further stated on Friday that Russian troops had thwarted 54 Ukrainian attempts to escape the encirclement. It is important to note that Reuters has not been able to independently verify these battlefield claims.

(With inputs from agencies.)