CNN reports critical situation in Pokrovsk: Russian troops gained a foothold in the citywhere there are street fights.Ukrainian fighters talk about surroundings and absence of an order to withdraw and Kyiv’s demand to stand to the end.
CNN: Russian forces are approaching Pokrovsk
Russian units are close to establishing complete control over Pokrovskyreports CNN with reference to sources from the scene. The city continues fierce street fightingand Russian forces have already gained a foothold in many areas. According to Ukrainian militaryholding positions becomes increasingly difficult, and the fall of the city seems inevitable.
Positions are surrendering, there is no order to withdraw
Soldiers on the front line describe the situation as critical: constant artillery shelling, advancing assault groups, semi-encirclement. One of the commanders reported that, despite significant losses, the enemy advances in small unitssometimes in threes, and even with losses, reaches Ukrainian positions, continuing the assault.
Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that Pokrovsk, which has lost its strategic importance as transport hubtoday presents symbolic purpose. However, due to Kyiv’s statements about a possible escalation, the region remains in a zone of heightened tension.
Problems with evacuation and political solution
According to Ukrainian sidein Pokrovsk there are about 1200 civilians from the pre-war 60 thousand. Evacuation is not possible. The Russian Ministry of Defense says it is transporting civilians to controlled territory.
President Vladimir Zelensky previously reported that up to 170 thousand Russian militarywhich increased pressure on Ukrainian defense.
The military expresses concernsWhat decision to retreat will be accepted too late – as was the case in Bakhmut And Avdeevkawhere slowness led to great losses.
One of the fighters 129th Brigadelocated near Konstantinovka, told CNN that no departure orderbut within divisions everyone is aware of the criticality provisions. “Pokrovsk held out longer than expected. But the strength was exhausted, and the necessary reinforcements never arrived.”he noted.
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