Russian Troops Advance on Key Ukrainian City, Reports Say
Russian Forces Close In on Key Ukrainian City as Zelenskyy Condemns ‘Terror’ of Missile Strikes
Pokrovsk, Ukraine – Russian troops are tightening their grip on Pokrovsk, a strategically vital city in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian news outlets reported Friday. The city, a crucial logistical hub for ukrainian forces, is facing increasing pressure as Russian forces advance to within 5 kilometers of its outskirts.
The Kyiv Post and Kyiv Independent newspapers reported the alarming growth,citing the city’s proximity to the advancing Russian troops. While the situation in Pokrovsk remains tense, Ukrainian forces have shown resilience in other parts of the Donetsk region, successfully repelling Russian assaults on several key locations, according to the Independent, citing the DeepState monitoring group.
[Image: A woman is lit by a passing car as she stands in a dark street during partial power cuts following a Russian attack on Ukrainian energy facilities, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in central Kyiv, Ukraine, Dec. 13, 2024.]
The news comes as Ukraine reels from one of the largest Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure to date. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Russia launched a barrage of 93 missiles and nearly 200 attack drones against the nation, plunging parts of the country into darkness.
Zelenskyy, in a defiant message, stated that Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 81 of the incoming missiles, including 11 cruise missiles downed by Ukraine’s newly acquired F-16 fighter jets. He also revealed that at least one North Korean missile was used in the attack.Condemning the assault as “Putin’s ‘peaceful’ plan — to destroy everything,” Zelenskyy called for a strong international response, urging world leaders to deliver “a massive strike — a massive reaction” to stop the “terror” inflicted upon Ukraine.
later Friday, Zelenskyy spoke with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses and supporting Ukraine’s right to choose its own future, including its aspirations to join the European Union and NATO.
Pokrovsk Under Pressure as Russia Intensifies Assault
Pokrovsk, Ukraine – The strategic eastern Ukrainian city of pokrovsk is facing increasing pressure from advancing Russian forces, sparking concerns about a potential breakthrough in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian news outlets report that Russian troops have closed in to within 5 kilometers of the city’s outskirts, placing notable strain on Ukrainian defenses.
Pokrovsk serves as a crucial logistical hub for Ukrainian forces in the east, making its capture a strategic priority for Russia. While the situation in Pokrovsk remains tense, Ukrainian troops have demonstrated resilience in other parts of the Donetsk region, repelling Russian assaults on several key locations according to the DeepState monitoring group.
This latest development comes amidst a devastating wave of Russian missile and drone strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia launched 93 missiles and nearly 200 attack drones in a single day, plunging parts of the country into darkness. Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 81 of the incoming missiles, including 11 cruise missiles downed by newly acquired F-16 fighter jets. He also revealed that at least one North Korean missile was used in the attack.
Condemning the assault as an act of “terror,” Zelenskyy called for a robust international response,urging world leaders to take decisive action to halt Russia’s aggression.