Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited the strategic town of Pokrovsk in eastern Doentsk region amid intense fighting and Kyiv’s efforts to repel Russian attacks.
Writing on Telegram app, Zelenskiy said he met with Ukrainian fighters at the command post of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine ‘Azov,’ in the Dobropillia town a town, which is about 20 kilometers from Pokrovsk.
“Our defenders are serving in an important sector. Thank you for protecting Ukraine and our territorial integrity. This is our country, this is our East, and we will do everything possible to keep it Ukrainian,” Zelenskiy said after hearing reports from commanders on the operational situation. During the visit, Zelenskiy discussed with commanders urgent defence needs, including weapons supplies, enhancing drone production and improving logistics support to the frontlines.
Later, Zelenskiy posted on Facebook that pressure was being stepped up on Russia troops on the Dobropilia salient. “We continue to liberate and clear territories, forcing the enemy to disperse its forces and preventing it from concentrating its main efforts in the Pokrovsk area,” the Ukrainian leader wrote. Earlier on Tuesday, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, known as HUR, confirmed that fierce battle was underway in Pokrovsk with Russian troops, who “occupied the designated lines, broke through the ground corridor and were joined by additional special forces.” HUR said in its statement that its “Timur” special unit was operating in one of Pokrovsk’s key areas to safeguard frontline logistics.
Earlier on Monday, Zelenskiy said in a press conference that he was unaware of any special operation by Ukrainian intelligence forces in Pokrvosk. “I do not know about the HUR special operation, to be honest,” he said. “We have special forces that the General Staff and Armed Forces use in different operations. HUR personnel help the Armed Forces. There may have been up to 30 people there.” Zelensky added that Russia deployed up to 170,000 troops in the Pokrovsk area and continues to move in reinforcements as the battle intensifies.
Being a strategic logistic and transport hub, Pokrovsk has seen one of the worst fightings, with Russian troops attempting to capture the city.
