Russian troops are making a concerted push in eastern Ukraine and have gained a foothold in the strategic hub of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says.
Moscow's soldiers outnumber Kyiv's 8-1 in the area, and Ukraine cannot match that, Zelensky added while insisting Russia had not yet 'achieved the planned result'.
Russia has been trying to capture Pokrovsk for two years. The key supply and transport hub provides supplies and reinforcements to the eastern front - and it would get Moscow closer to occupying the entirety of the Donetsk region.
It would also put towns of the heavily fortified 'fortress belt' - Kramatorsk, Slovyansk, Kostyantynivka, and Druzhkivka - within easier reach of Moscow.
Zelensky added that drone imagery showed that around 200 Russian soldiers were inside Pokrovsk.
Describing the situation as 'difficult', he stated that fierce fighting continues, and 'sabotage groups' had entered the town. However, he dismissed claims by Russia's General Staff that Ukrainian troops are completely surrounded.
Reports from the front are that Russian troops have encircled Ukrainian forces around the main railway station, making the ongoing conflict increasingly perilous.
Ukraine's military has reported repelling numerous attacks in the region, even as weather conditions have hindered their use of drone technology.
This escalation exemplifies the high stakes and evolving nature of warfare, as both sides battle not only for territory but technological advantage in this ongoing conflict.
As the situation unfolds, Ukraine continues to seek financial and military support from its allies to sustain itself against ongoing Russian advances.
