Russia has intensified its assault on the city of Pokrovsk, with the Ukrainian army reporting approximately 60 attacks in the Pokrovsky district in a single day. The Ukrainian defenders are struggling to maintain their defensive lines and positions in the face of the ongoing attacks.
Pokrovsk, with a pre-war population of 60,000 people, is a crucial road and rail hub used by the Ukrainian military to supply other Ukrainian-held outposts such as Chasiv Yar and Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region. Additionally, the city is home to Ukraine’s largest coking coal mine, which is vital for its economy.
For Russia, taking control of Pokrovsk is a strategic move towards annexing the entire Donetsk region. Moscow sees Pokrovsk as “the gateway to Donetsk”, allowing them to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines and eventually capture the city of Chasiv Yar. Capturing Chasiv Yar would provide Russia with higher ground and potential control of a wider area, making it harder for Ukrainian troops to hold territory on either side of Pokrovsk.
The impact of the war on Pokrovsk has been devastating, with residents evacuating westwards and facing power and water shortages. Buildings have been badly damaged, with windows boarded up or blown out. Despite the destruction, around 53,000 people, including 4,000 children, were still living in the area as of August 19.
The ongoing conflict in Pokrovsk highlights the brutal toll of Russia’s assault on the city and the strategic importance it holds for both sides in the conflict.
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Photo credit news.sky.com
