Ukraine's top commander

Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reports an 'exceptionally tough' situation as Russian forces intensify their offensive around the strategically vital city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Syrskyi emphasized that the fighting is brutal, with heavy clashes occurring near the villages of Krasnyi Yar and Hrodivka, as Russian troops deploy all available resources to breach Ukrainian defenses. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the extreme difficulty of the situation and reiterated Ukraine's efforts to bolster its defenses in the region. Despite Ukraine's recent military actions aimed at diverting Russian forces, the assaults on Pokrovsk have continued unabated, with significant combat engagements reported. The ongoing battles are critical, as Pokrovsk serves as a key logistical hub for Ukrainian operations in Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian leadership remains focused on implementing defensive strategies and ensuring adequate supplies for their forces.