Ukraine's Fierce Battlefront: The Struggle for Pokrovsk

Ukraine's top commander reports relentless Russian assaults aiming to capture the logistics hub of Pokrovsk. Active battles rage along the entire front line, while Ukraine faces manpower shortages despite Western artillery reinforcements. Russian forces continue to advance slowly, capturing villages and straining Ukraine's defences, impacting its energy infrastructure.

Ukraine's top commander reported on Monday that Russian forces are executing relentless assaults to advance towards Pokrovsk, a crucial logistics hub in the east. Active fighting persists along the entire front line.

Nearing 29 months since the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has heightened its mobilization to address manpower shortages, bolstered by Western artillery supplies. Nevertheless, Russian troops are slowly advancing. 'The enemy disregards their high losses and continues pushing towards Pokrovsk,' stated Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi from the eastern front.

Pokrovsk, an important intersection of roads and railways, lies less than 25 km from Russian-occupied territory. Fierce battles also rage near Krasnohorivka and Chasiv Yar, bringing Russia closer to key cities in the Donetsk region. Russian forces staged 39 assaults on the Pokrovsk front in the last 24 hours, capturing two villages.

Despite Ukraine's resilience, Russian progress remains slow but steady. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba noted slight territorial gains for Russia. NATO officials have commented on Russia's limited munitions and troop capacity for a major offensive. Long-range strikes and domestic drones have been critical for Ukraine in the recent months of conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)