Ukrainian Forces Strengthen Pokrovsk Defenses Amid Russian Infiltration Attempts

The city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk province has become a critical battleground as Ukrainian and Russian forces engage in intense urban combat, with approximately 200 Russian soldiers reported to have infiltrated the city. Ukrainian forces, including the 7th Rapid Response Unit, have strengthened their defenses and are conducting counter-sabotage operations to repel the Russian advances, which aim to disrupt Ukrainian logistics and extend control further north rather than seizing the city outright. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Russian claims of encirclement of Ukrainian troops near Pokrovsk as disinformation intended to sow panic and mislead international observers. The General Staff of Ukraine reports that despite difficult logistics, Ukrainian troops have regained control over multiple settlements in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad area and inflicted significant losses on Russian forces, including personnel and military equipment. Ukrainian forces have stabilized the situation, liberated substantial territory in the Pokrovsk district, and continue to resist the Russian offensive amid ongoing fierce fighting and drone warfare. These developments underscore Pokrovsk's strategic importance in the broader conflict over the Donetsk region, with both sides vying for control in a protracted and costly struggle.