Ukrainian authorities have issued an evacuation order for the key town of Pokrovsk in the Donbas region, as Russian forces make advancements despite Ukraine’s offensive into Russia’s Kursk region. With families and children being forced to leave, the town’s military government has stated that residents have a maximum of two weeks to flee. This strategically important town serves as a main defensive stronghold and logistical hub for Kyiv’s troops in the east.
Over 53,000 people, including nearly 4,000 children, remain in Pokrovsk, prompting officials to compel the evacuation of children and their families. The rate of evacuations has increased to about 500 to 600 people daily, as basic services are at risk of halting with the approach of the Russian army.
President Zelensky affirmed the progress of Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, aiming to divert Russian troops from the Donbas area and ease pressure on Ukrainian forces. Despite claims of blowing up a key bridge in Kursk, additional pontoon bridges have been identified, suggesting Russian efforts to maintain logistics in the region. The Institute for the Study of War noted Ukraine’s surprising initiative in Kursk, which allowed for significant gains compared to Russia’s gradual advances in the east. Kiev has seized close to 1,000 sq km of Russian territory since August, contrasting with Russia’s earlier territorial gains.
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