Russia launches its own offensive after Kursk attack, forces evacuation in Ukraine’s Pokrovsk
Ukrainian military vehicles at a Russian border crossing
Amid ongoing offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, Ukrainian authorities have ordered evacuation in the eastern city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. As Kyiv forces claim to have occupied around 1,150 sq km of Russian territories, Moscowis pressing ahead with its own offensive and making steady gains in Donetsk. Ukraine’s top military official in Pokrovsk urged people to leave their homes as Russian forces had advanced within 10 km of the city.
“Don’t delay,” the official said on Telegram. “The enemy ruthlessly hits critical infrastructure and residential neighbourhoods.”
Deepstate, a military analysis outlet with links to Ukraine’s defence ministry, reported Wednesday (Aug 14) that Russian forces were forcefully hitting the Ukrainian cities of Pokrovsk and Toretsk and occupied parts of Niu York.
Watch:Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine claims capturing 100 Russian soldiers in Kursk region
Russian forces were “maintaining their relatively high offensive tempo in Donetsk region, demonstrating that the Russian military command continues to prioritise advances in eastern Ukraine,” the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War was quoted as saying by the Financial Times.
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Why is Pokrovsk so significant for Ukraine?
Pokrovsk, located just 70 km northwest of Russian-held Donetsk city, is a key logistics hub for the war-torn country.
The city sits on a key intersection that links the eastern front to the rest of the city and is used to provide supplies to the frontline soldiers.
Ukrainian offensive ‘will lead to negotiations’
Meanwhile, a top advisor to UkrainianPresident Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday (Aug 16),that the purpose of the Kursk offensive was to force Russia to initiate peace negotiations.
"Ukraine is not interested in occupying Russian territories," said Mykhailo Podolyak in a statement on social media. "But if we are talking about potential negotiations – I emphasize potential – we will have to put [Russia] at the table opposite. On our own terms," he added.
Ukraine launched its surprise Kursk offensive on August 6 with targeted attacks in three border regions: Bryansk, Belgorod, and Kursk.
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.