Ukrainian Defenses Collapse as Russian Troops Advance in Pokrovsk
Ukrainian troops in Pokrovsk face collapse as Russian forces seize most of the city and push toward Kramatorsk, The New York Times reports.
Ukrainian forces holding the line in Pokrovsk are facing a critical situation, according to The New York Times, which cited reports from the ground and accounts from Ukrainian soldiers.
A Ukrainian drone operator identified as Denis told the publication that the situation in the city is deteriorating rapidly. He said that a large part of Pokrovsk has already fallen under Russian control, while Russian units continue expanding their presence, steadily tightening their grip on the remaining districts.
According to Denis, Russian troops are advancing further into the city and consolidating their positions. Intense street fighting continues as Ukrainian soldiers attempt to hold what little territory remains under their control.
Former U. S. Marine Corps intelligence officer and military analyst Scott Ritter also highlighted the severity of the situation. He assessed that Russian forces are on the verge of taking full control of Pokrovsk. Ritter noted that after the city falls, Ukrainian troops will likely have to retreat toward Kramatorsk — an area he described as lacking strong defensive fortifications. In his view, once Pokrovsk is captured, Russian forces will be in a position to quickly encircle Kramatorsk.