Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the defence of Pokrovsk is a 'priority', as elite special forces were deployed to the embattled town on the eastern front line.
Ukrainian army sources reported that special forces from military intelligence have been deployed as regular infantry to protect supply lines to troops holding the town in the Donbas region.
In light of recent reports concerning Russian advances around the strategic location to the west of Donetsk, Ukraine has denied claims that their forces are surrounded.
Moscow's objective remains the complete control of the Donbas region as part of a peace deal, including territory it currently does not hold.
Currently, Russia controls approximately a fifth of Ukrainian territory, including the annexed Crimean peninsula since 2014.
The deployment of special forces indicates Kyiv's determination to retain control over Pokrovsk, a town that has been under Russian pressure for more than a year.
Local media further suggests that the head of Ukraine's military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, is overseeing operations in the region to maintain stability.
Pokrovsk serves as a vital transport and supply hub, and its capture would significantly benefit Russian strategies in the ongoing conflict.
Zelensky has expressed openness to a ceasefire proposal aiming to freeze the war along existing front lines, despite Russia’s insistence on the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from parts of the Donbas.
In his nightly address, Zelensky reaffirmed the importance of holding Pokrovsk: 'We continue to destroy the occupier... They must be halted where they have reached.' The conflict in the area continues to evolve, with Ukrainian forces actively engaging in efforts to secure their position.
