Russia has intensified its attacks on the city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine, carrying out 60 assaults in the Pokrovsky district in a single day according to the Ukrainian army’s general staff. The Ukrainian defenders are striving to maintain their defensive lines and positions in the city.
The city of Pokrovsk is a crucial road and rail hub with a pre-war population of 60,000 people. It serves as a key road for the Ukrainian military to supply other Ukrainian-held outposts like Chasiv Yar and Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region. Additionally, it is located near Ukraine’s largest coking coal mine, which was vital for its economy before the war.
Russia views taking control of Pokrovsk as a crucial step towards annexing the entire Donetsk region. It is seen as “the gateway to Donetsk” by Russian media, allowing Moscow to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines and advance its campaign to capture the city of Chasiv Yar. By controlling Pokrovsk, Russia could potentially squeeze the Ukrainian military’s access to key road networks, making it harder for them to hold territory in the area.
The impact of the war on Pokrovsk has been devastating, with residents evacuating and many reluctant to leave their homes. Buildings are damaged, infrastructure is destroyed, and basic necessities like power and water are lacking. Despite the challenges, thousands of people, including children, still remain in the area as of August 19th.
The ongoing conflict in Pokrovsk highlights the high stakes involved in the struggle for control over the city and the wider Donetsk region.
Source
Photo credit news.sky.com
