Ukraine is urgently strengthening its positions in the strategically important city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region after individual Russian units have penetrated the city limits, the "Reuters" agency reports, citing Ukrainian military sources.
The offensive comes against the backdrop of the failure of US President Donald Trump's attempts to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine. According to the agency, Russian forces have renewed their efforts to seize the key logistics center, which is considered crucial for control over the western part of Donetsk region.
The 7th Corps of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that fierce urban fighting continues in Pokrovsk.
"The enemy, thanks to numerical superiority in forces and means, managed to penetrate the city and entrench itself in different areas," the statement said.
The Ukrainian military specified that in recent days the defense had been reinforced with new units — assault units, artillery and drone crews.
"We are increasing the use of anti-aircraft drones and net launchers against enemy drones, remotely mine the enemy's penetration routes", the army command added.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Sunday that heavy fighting was taking place near Pokrovsk and that Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups were operating in the city. According to him, Ukrainian forces were encountering serious logistical difficulties in supplying their defense.
For its part, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Monday that "assault groups are conducting active offensive operations in the area of the Krasnoarmeysk railway station" - the old name of Pokrovsk, used by Moscow.
According to an analysis by "Reuters", Russia views Pokrovsk as a critical point for its offensive in the Donetsk region, which would ensure control over the main lines of communication in the region.
The agency recalls that Russian forces already control about 75% of the territory of the Donetsk region, and the loss of Pokrovsk would represent a serious blow to the Ukrainian defense on the eastern front.