Russian forces intensify push to encircle key Ukrainian city
The occupying Russian forces, which have a significant advantage over the Ukrainians, are intensively fighting to encircle Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, according to Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Chortytsia group, who reported this on Monday.
Trehubov explained in a television program that the Russians are attacking the city from the south and are attempting to occupy the forested areas through which logistical routes to Pokrovsk pass.
"I would not say that they have succeeded, but they are trying very hard and have enormous resources," he said, emphasizing that these resources are primarily human, technical, and logistical.
A key facility has stopped operating
Reuters reported, citing two sources in the mining industry, that a key coal mine for the steel industry in Pokrovsk, the only Ukrainian coking coal producer, suspended operations on Monday following the attacks.
"Everyone has stopped working," said one of the sources.
The Ukrainian project DeepState, which offers the latest news from the front and maps troop positions on the front line, had previously notified that the Russians had made progress in villages adjoining Pokrovsk from its southern, southeastern, and southwestern sides.
