Ukraine Battles Intensify on Pokrovsk Front

Ukraine's top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reports exceptionally tough fighting on the eastern Pokrovsk front against advancing Russian forces. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy describes the situation as extremely difficult, with intensified clashes in key regions and concrete defensive actions discussed in high-level meetings.

Ukraine's top commander Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on Thursday that he spent several days on the eastern Pokrovsk front, describing the fighting as 'exceptionally tough'.

In recent months, Russia has been intensifying its efforts towards the strategic hub of Pokrovsk, steadily inching forward. Despite Ukraine's surprise incursion into Russia's west Kursk region on Aug. 6, the scale of Russian assaults has not decreased. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged the 'extremely difficult' situation and stated that Kyiv would further bolster its positions.

'Fights are exceptionally tough. The enemy throws into battle everything that can move and advance, trying to break through our defenses,' commander Syrskyi said on Facebook. The most intense clashes are occurring in Krasnyi Yar, about 10 km from Pokrovsk. Intensified assaults are also reported on the eastern outskirts of Hrodivka village, less than 9 km from the strategic route to Kostiantynivka.

Ukraine's General Staff reported 23 clashes on the Pokrovsk front since the start of the day. On Telegram, Zelenskiy mentioned being briefed by his top military officials on the situation, discussing concrete defensive actions and the use of domestically produced long-range weapons.

(With inputs from agencies.)