Intensifying Battles in Eastern Ukraine as Russia Advances on Pokrowsk
Ukraine faces mounting pressure in the Donetsk region, with heavy fighting near Pokrowsk and strategic leadership changes aimed at countering Russian gains.
- Russian forces continue to press on Pokrowsk, reportedly encircling the city from three sides, though Ukrainian officials contest the extent of the encirclement.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has replaced the commander overseeing the Pokrowsk front, appointing General Mykhailo Drapatyj to lead the Chortyzja operational group while retaining his role as head of the army.
- Ukraine has evacuated all children from Pokrowsk as Russian troops threaten to cut off a key supply route to the city, where approximately 7,000 civilians remain.
- Both Ukraine and Russia have escalated drone warfare, with Ukraine targeting Russian military facilities, including a depot in Orjol, and Russia launching extensive drone strikes across Ukrainian regions.
- Amid ongoing combat, Hungary has signaled potential resistance to extending EU sanctions on Russia, tying its support to demands for restored gas transit through Ukraine.
Sächsische Zeitung 
Süddeutsche Zeitung 
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 