Russia Advances on Key Ukrainian City of Pokrovsk as Fighting Intensifies

The eastern Ukrainian city faces potential capture, threatening supply lines and defenses as Russia ramps up attacks across the region.

Russian forces have advanced to within a few miles of Pokrovsk, a critical rail and mining hub in the Donetsk region, with street battles expected soon.
Ukrainian military officials describe the fighting as 'extremely tough,' citing manpower shortages, poor coordination, and strained defenses.
The fall of Pokrovsk would compromise Ukraine's supply routes and defensive capabilities, giving Russia a strategic foothold in the region.
Russia has escalated its broader offensive with large-scale airstrikes targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages during freezing weather.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and military leaders are calling for urgent international support, including air defense systems, to counter Russia's intensified attacks.