Russia has intensified its attacks on the city of Pokrovsk, with the Ukrainian army reporting around 60 assaults in the Pokrovsky district. The Ukrainian defenders are working tirelessly to protect their positions and maintain defensive lines amid the ongoing conflict.
Pokrovsk is a crucial road and rail hub that has a pre-war population of 60,000 people. It is situated on a key road used by the Ukrainian military to supply other Ukrainian-held outposts in the Donetsk region. Additionally, the city is home to Ukraine’s largest coking coal mine, which plays a vital role in the country’s economy.
Moscow has set its sights on capturing Pokrovsk as a strategic move towards annexing the entire Donetsk region. Russian media refers to Pokrovsk as “the gateway to Donetsk,” suggesting that taking control of the city would disrupt Ukrainian supply lines and aid in capturing other key areas like Chasiv Yar. By squeezing the Ukrainian military’s access to the road network in the region, Russia aims to make it more challenging for troops to maintain control of territories.
As a result of the ongoing conflict, residents of Pokrovsk continue to evacuate westwards while others remain hesitant to leave. The city has suffered significant damage, with boarded-up windows, destroyed roofs, and widespread power and water cuts. Despite the challenges, thousands of residents, including children, still remain in the area.
The escalation of violence in Pokrovsk highlights the devastating impact of the war on civilians and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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