Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed this evening that the situation on the front remains most difficult near the eastern city of Pokrovsk, and Kiev's forces are defending their positions around the northeastern city of Kupyansk, Reuters reported, referring to the Ukrainian leader's evening video address.
"The most difficult area now is in the Pokrovsk direction. "As in previous weeks, this is the area with the most active military activity," Zelensky said after a meeting with the country's commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The Ukrainian president added that the situation in Kupyansk "remains complicated, but our forces have gained greater control in recent days."
"We continue to defend our positions," Zelensky said.
Ukrainian forces are trying to stop a growing Russian offensive in the area of the eastern city of Pokrovsk, Reuters reported, citing statements from the Ukrainian military and observers.
Russian troops have approached the key logistics center in recent weeks after advancing stubbornly for more than a year. According to Kiev, Russia has suffered significant losses of manpower in the course of its offensive.
A statement published today on the "Facebook" platform by the 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of the Airborne Assault Forces of Ukraine states that Russia has deployed about 11,000 troops in an attempt to surround most of the Pokrovsk area. Groups of Russian soldiers have already managed to penetrate the besieged city and are trying to advance further north and northeast, the text further states.
The publication also states that about 27,000 Russian soldiers, nearly 100 tanks, almost 260 armored combat vehicles, and about 160 artillery systems and mortars are concentrated in the 7th Corps' area of responsibility.
The defenders of Pokrovsk, a large urban center and its surrounding settlements, are continuing their defensive operation.