The commander of Ukraine’s armed forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, has reported an increase in Russian military activity around Pokrovsk, a strategically significant town in the Donetsk region. He characterized the situation as “difficult” and noted that Russian infantry is gathering in urban areas, with a focus on relocating to avoid direct conflict.
General Syrskyi visited the frontline to engage with key commanders but rejected claims that Ukrainian troops were “blockaded” by Russian forces, labeling such reports as propaganda. The ongoing Russian offensive aims to capture Pokrovsk, which serves as a critical transport and supply hub. Securing the town could facilitate further Russian advancements towards Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, the two largest cities still under Ukrainian control in the area.
In a statement, he underscored the importance of identifying and neutralizing the gathering enemy forces while maintaining a balance between military objectives and available capabilities. His priority remains the preservation of Ukrainian soldiers’ lives amidst the rising tensions.
Russian Chief of General Staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, recently claimed that Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk had been encircled. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described Pokrovsk as a primary target for Russia, asserting that Russian forces there outnumber Ukrainian troops significantly. He suggested that capturing the town would provide Russia with a narrative to present to the United States regarding their progress in the conflict.
Additionally, assessments from defense intelligence sources indicate that the battle for Pokrovsk has intensified, with Russian troops reportedly infiltrating the town and disrupting Ukrainian supply lines, leading to concerns about a potential crisis in the region.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyprrp1d50o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss