Overview
- Russia claims control of dozens of buildings and says Ukrainian forces are encircled in Pokrovsk, a claim Kyiv disputes as street‑to‑street combat continues.
- Ukraine’s GUR says its Special Unit Timur is operating in the city and released footage of drone, armor and a rare UH‑60 Black Hawk insertion supporting defenders.
- Ukraine’s 425th assault regiment ‘Skelya’ reports it expelled Russian troops from the city council building and raised the national flag, describing the move as part of ongoing fighting.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky visited units in the Donetsk sector, including the Azov command near Dobropillia, praising forces engaged in the Pokrovsk defense.
- Vladimir Putin directed ministries and security services to present proposals on preparing nuclear tests if the United States proceeds, as President Trump reiterated he instructed the Pentagon to begin testing, with Moscow saying it remains bound by the test‑ban commitments.