The strategically important Pokovsk city in the east is steadily pushing for Russian forces to occupy, as they have so far overwhelmed a series of villages in the south and east, while over 100,000 troops are trying to promote the area, according to Kiev.
In the face of this ongoing attack, the Ukrainian forces defend with nails and teeth, as it is considered crucial to be able to defend the city from the ongoing Russian attack.
But why is Pokrovsk so important, which they call it by its Soviet name Krasnarmeis, and why is it considered crucial to the long battle for its control, which began last summer?
Pokovsk is a road and rail hub in the eastern area of Donetsk, Ukraine, which had about 60,000 inhabitants before the war. Most residents are gone, and according to Sergei Dobriak, head of the city’s military administration, fewer than 1,500 residents are currently left.
The city is even above the supply of other war -finished Eastern prisons, including the cities of Chassiv Yar, which have long been fierce battles, and Kosantinova in the Donetsk area.
Also, the only Ukrainian mine that produces a specific type of carbon for fracture – used in its huge steelworks – is about six miles (10 km) west of Pokovsk. Due to the battles, Ukrainian Metinvest steeling said in mid -January that it has suspended the functions of the mine.
To attack the DniePropetrovsk area of Ukraine in the west, which is one of the areas claimed by Moscow and claiming that it has already created a small stronghold.
What does Ukraine do to defend Pokforvsk?
For its part, Ukraine is trying in every way to defend the area, according to the country’s senior military commander, Olxandr Sirski, who said Friday that the forces in control of the area remain in a fixed spot.
Ukrainian officials also say that Russia has hit its strengths with artillery, slip bombs and unmanned aircraft and sent small groups of fighters to try to gain ground instead of binding large infantry or armor groups.
Russia has 111,000 troops in the Pokovsk region, as Sirsky estimates.
In terms of Ukrainian defense, President Volodimir Zelenski has made various changes to senior army staff during the defense of the city.
Ukraine also reports that Moscow suffered huge losses after spending everything it could in its attempt to penetrate the city. Moscow, on the other hand, argues that the Ukrainian forces are those who are constantly suffering serious losses. No side reveals the full number of victims.
The attempt to evacuate the city
The Ukrainian authorities have tried hard to persuade the remaining city residents, mainly elderly and patients, to evacuate the area. Dobriak, head of the military administration, said on Monday that evacuation vehicles could no longer reach many areas and that people had to leave on foot. He also said that it is becoming more and more difficult to deliver food and that grocery stores should be closed in the coming days.
One of the main roads, which the Ukrainian forces call “a path of life”, is covered by nets against drones in order to protect the vehicles from Russian attacks.
What does Pokovsk look like now
At the moment, although the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag is still waving in Pokovsk, the city is a shadow of its old self, without electricity, gas, heating or water. Reuters’ footage published on May 21 showed the facades of apartment buildings being severely damaged, the desert roads, full of debris and some elderly residents circulating.
Also, shells were heard and the roads were filled with bumps of bullets and vehicle debris.
