Russia Concentrates Main Strike Group in Pokrovsk as Ukraine Faces Intense Fighting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia has concentrated its main strike group, including a significant number of troops, against the city of Pokrovsk and its surrounding areas, intensifying fierce fighting and complicating logistics. Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups are operating inside the city, while Ukrainian forces, including the 82nd Bukovyna Air Assault Brigade, have achieved difficult but important successes in resisting these attacks. Zelenskyy emphasized the ongoing need to inflict maximum losses on Russian forces and highlighted that Russia's offensive plans over the past ten months have repeatedly failed. He also noted significant progress in the Dobropillia operation, which has contributed to replenishing Ukraine's prisoner exchange fund and strengthened Ukraine's diplomatic position internationally. The situation remains challenging, with around 250 Russian troops reportedly inside Pokrovsk engaging in small-arms combat and intense airstrikes occurring nearby. Overall, Zelenskyy calls for continued resilience and cooperation with international partners to counter Russian aggression effectively.