In Pokrovsk, eastern Ukraine, military authorities have urged civilians to speed up their evacuation as the Russian army rapidly approaches what has been a key target for Moscow during the war. This urgent call came as Ukrainian forces are trying to shift the focus of the Kremlin’s military attention towards its own soil by launching an audacious incursion across the border into the Kursk region.
Ukraine is taking a significant gamble by escalating the conflict by entering Russia, potentially leaving their defense vulnerable to Russian advances. The Kremlin’s forces have been gaining momentum and superior numbers in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region since the spring. Evacuations in the Donetsk region surrounding Pokrovsk have become increasingly urgent over recent weeks.
Pokrovsk officials stated in a Telegram post on Friday that Russian troops are advancing at a rapid pace, leaving less and less time for civilians to gather their belongings and evacuate to safer regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned on Thursday that Pokrovsk and other towns nearby in the Donetsk region were facing intense Russian assaults.
Priority supplies – everything that is needed – are being sent there,” said Zelenskyy on X. On the same day, authorities advised residents to start evacuating the town. As Ukraine continues its bold assault that began on August 6th, only time will tell if this risky move will change the dynamics of the 2½-year conflict or leave their defense at the mercy of Russia’s advances.