Overview
- Institute for the Study of War reports Russian pushes in eastern and southern districts of Pokrovsk that suggest an effort to form a partial encirclement.
- Ukrainian forces report counterattacks inside the city and on western outskirts, with claims of retaking Rodynske to protect the northern approach, though some battlefield control remains disputed.
- Ukrainian commanders dismiss Russian statements about capturing the city as propaganda, while analysts note the tempo of assaults has recently increased.
- Civilian harm continues as local officials report a fatal drone strike in Kramatorsk and additional attacks in the south.
- Regional and support dynamics shift as Romania confirms suspected drone debris in Tulcea county and Germany plans more than €11.5 billion in 2026 Ukraine aid, while Axios reports U.S. weapons deliveries are delayed by a government shutdown.