The Ukrainian special forces landed in a Black Hawk helicopter a few days ago in the operation, which was complicated by Russian drone activity, a source in the 7th Rapid Response Corps
Ukraine has sent its special forces to the strategic hub of Pokrovsk after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned earlier this week that Russian forces had made significant advances in the region.
The Ukrainian special forces landed in a Black Hawk helicopter a few days ago in the operation, which was complicated by Russian drone activity, a source in the 7th Rapid Response Corps told Reuters.
The crucial supply and transport hub in Pokrovsk serves as a lifeline for delivering supplies and reinforcements to the eastern front, and capturing it would bring Moscow closer to taking full control of the Donetsk region.
Op overseen by spy chief
The operation was overseen by military spy chief Kyrylo Budanov, and the troops headed to areas of the city claimed by Russia and seen by Moscow as vital for Ukrainian supply lines, the other source said.
At least 10 servicemen could be seen dismounting from a helicopter in a field in a video seen by Reuters. The news agency could not independently confirm the location or date when the video was filmed.
Russia’s defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the Ukrainian operation.
DeepState, a Ukrainian open-source mapping project, estimates that at least half of the city lies in a contested area fully controlled by neither side.
Zelenskyy referred directly to the battle of Pokrovsk in his evening address to Ukrainians.
“We continue to destroy the occupier. The most important thing is to stop Russian attacks wherever possible.”
‘Difficult situation’
Zelenskyy had described the situation in Pokrovsk as being “difficult”, adding that the town is witnessing widespread fierce fighting after “sabotage groups” entered the region.
The president said that satellite imagery shows that over 200 Russian soldiers are currently inside Pokrovsk. An apparent capture of the city would put towns of the heavily fortified “fortress belt” – Kramatorsk, Slovyansk, Kostyantynivka and Druzhkivka – at risk of Moscow invasion.
According to Capt Hryhoriy Shapoval, Russian forces had amassed significant troops and equipment near Pokrovsk, using armoured vehicles to provide cover for their advancing infantry.
“So it’s hard to stop them,” he said.
With inputs from agencies
End of Article