Fierce street fighting continues in Pokrovsk, eastern Ukraine, as Russian forces advance on the strategic city, much of which lies in ruins.

Ukraine’s general staff denied claims that its troops were encircled, but analysts warn the situation is deteriorating, with Russian forces only a few kilometres from surrounding Ukrainian positions.

Kyiv deployed special forces in a daring operation to shift momentum, but the effort has yet to change the tactical situation, while shortages of personnel and relentless Russian drone attacks strain Ukraine’s defenses.

Russian troops have also introduced jet-powered glide bombs, increasing pressure on Ukraine’s already stretched air defenses, though Moscow’s advance remains slow and costly, The Guardian has reported.

The battle for Pokrovsk is seen as critical for control of Donetsk, with potential implications for Russian pushes toward Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, even as Ukrainian forces face challenges on other fronts, including Kupiansk.