Russian Forces Target Key Ukrainian Infrastructure Amid Intensifying Conflict

Russian forces have disrupted power and water supplies in northern and eastern Ukraine, targeting key infrastructure amid their ongoing battle for the Donbas region. The United States claims Iran has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia, while heavy fighting persists in towns like Pokrovsk. Ukrainian defenses continue to hold ground despite severe attacks.

Russian forces knocked out power and water supplies to a rail hub in northern Ukraine and severed water to Pokrovsk on Thursday, aiming to disrupt Ukrainian logistics and advance their battlefield positions. Over two years into the conflict, Russia regularly targets Ukrainian infrastructure while trying to capture the Donbas region.

The United States alleges that Iran has provided Russia with ballistic missiles, escalating the conflict. Moscow has warned that Western-approved strikes into Russian territory will be met with retaliation. Russian forces have gained ground in eastern Ukraine, focusing on Pokrovsk, which is critical for logistics in the region.

The regional governor of Donetsk reported that heavy fighting had disabled a filtering station, cutting water supply to Pokrovsk. Authorities urged residents to evacuate due to the ongoing conflict. Russian momentum has slowed near Pokrovsk, but forces continue to press on nearby towns like Ukrainsk.

Ukraine's military reported that their front lines near Kurakhiv are holding strong despite repeated Russian assaults. Meanwhile, a surprise Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk region last month aimed to shift the war's dynamics. Russia claimed to have regained control of settlements in the Kursk region, but the reports are unverified.

In Sumy region, the city of Konotop, a rail hub, suffered significant damage from a Russian drone attack, cutting electricity and injuring at least 14 people. Rescue operations are underway to restore power, with the attack being part of a broader offensive involving 64 drones. Ukraine, despite being outgunned, is attempting to counterattack with its own drone strikes.

(With inputs from agencies.)