Russian troops are making a concerted push in eastern Ukraine and have gained a foothold in the strategic hub of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced.
Moscow's soldiers reportedly outnumber Kyiv's forces 8-1 in the area, making it challenging for Ukrainian defense. Despite this, Zelensky claims Russia has not yet achieved its intended goals in the region.
For two years, Russia has aimed to capture Pokrovsk due to its significance as a supply and transport hub, essential for reinforcing operations on the eastern front. Capturing Pokrovsk could potentially bring Russian forces closer to occupying the entirety of the Donetsk region, and facilitate access to fortified towns like Kramatorsk and Slovyansk.
Zelensky mentioned that drone imagery captured around 200 Russian soldiers within Pokrovsk, highlighting the ongoing fierce fighting and the presence of sabotage groups in the town.
Rejecting claims from Russia's military leadership that Ukrainian troops have been entirely surrounded, Zelensky stated, The situation is difficult, emphasizing ongoing resistance from his forces.
Recent updates from Russia's defense ministry claimed encirclement of Ukrainian troops near key infrastructure, though Ukrainian soldiers refute these assertions, insisting that the situation is fluid, and that technology is escalating the warfare dynamics.
Amid heavy attacks focused on the area, Ukrainian soldiers are grappling with challenging weather conditions that hinder their drone operations.
The ongoing conflict, now almost five years since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022, has resulted in substantial casualties and territorial losses for Ukraine, with recent efforts for financial support from European allies proving complex and politically fraught.
In a related diplomatic angle, Zelensky expressed hope that upcoming discussions between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping might impact Chinese support for Russia, potentially altering the regional balance further.
