By Smartencyclopedia & Agencies
POKROVSK, Ukraine — Intense battles continue to rage in the Donetsk Oblast as Russian forces press their advance near the city of Pokrovsk, despite fierce resistance from Ukrainian defenders. The situation remains dire, with Russian troops employing large-scale infantry assaults in their bid to capture strategic locations in the region.
Ukrainian military personnel have confirmed that combat operations are ongoing across multiple localities, with Russian forces aggressively advancing. Alexander, a serviceman from Ukraine’s 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, provided an update on the situation during an interview with Esreso TV. He highlighted the severity of the conflict, particularly in the Pokrovsk sector, where Russian forces are pushing hard against Ukrainian defenses.
“The majority of Russian assaults, around 90 to 95 percent, consist of infantry, and they have substantial numbers,” Alexander explained. “Close-quarters combat is frequent, and we have lost some positions. The situation is extremely difficult. We are trying to halt their advances using artillery, drones, and Bradley BMP fire, but their continuous assaults, fueled by their sheer numbers, make it challenging.”
Alexander emphasized that Pokrovsk remains a strategic priority for the Russian military, with no indication that they plan to withdraw troops from this area to reinforce other fronts, such as the conflict in the Kursk region.
“For the enemy, this direction is of strategic importance. They are determined to achieve their objective of capturing the city of Pokrovsk, and thus it’s unlikely they will reallocate forces from this area,” he noted. “The intensity of assaults and offensives has not diminished, and they continue to apply pressure in multiple directions.”
Despite the Russian advances, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are putting up a strong defense. In the morning briefing on August 15, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian defense forces successfully repelled 58 Russian assault and offensive actions in the Pokrovsk direction. These assaults targeted several localities, including Vozdvyzhenka, Yelizavetivka, Hrodivka, Orlivka, Nikolaivka, Zhelane, Skuchne, Yasnobrodivka, and Ptichie.
The heaviest fighting has been concentrated near Vozdvyzhenka and Hrodivka, where Russian forces have employed both infantry and bombardment aviation to break through Ukrainian lines. The Ukrainian military’s successful defense in these areas has slowed the Russian advance, but the situation remains fluid and highly dangerous.
As the battle for Pokrovsk continues, the outcome could significantly impact the broader conflict in the Donetsk region. Both sides are locked in a brutal struggle, with control of this key city hanging in the balance.