Ukrainian forces block Russian advance on key eastern town

Ukrainian troops have successfully blocked a Russian advance toward the key eastern town of Pokrovsk.

The Russian offensive on Pokrovsk, which has become the centre of the fighting, has been stalled in one of the key sections of the front for more than a week, Caliber.Az reports, citing The New York Times.

Advancement continues in other sections, but the situation in the Pokrovsk area remains difficult.

Ukraine has strengthened its defences in the area by transferring two brigades. One of them was transferred from another front, which may weaken the defences at the former location. The commander of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade noted that the new direction of the offensive came as a surprise to his unit.

The 12th National Guard Brigade reported that the situation was critical when they arrived, but that they were successfully holding the defence and conducting counterattacks.

Russian forces continued their offensive in the south, almost encircling the area between the cities of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. At the same time, the offensive towards Pokrovsk stopped near Selidovo. General Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed that the Ukrainian army had stabilized its defensive lines and the Russian offensive towards Pokrovsk had not advanced by a single meter.