Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stern warning about Russia’s military strategy in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, stating that Moscow is deploying approximately 170,00, troops in a bid to capture the heavily contested city of Pokrovsk. The city, located in the Donetsk region, is of critical importance due to its strategic location along major supply routes and its potential to serve as a base for further Russian advances. Zelenskyy emphasized that if the Russian forces manage to seize Pokrovsk, it could significantly strengthen their position in the region, paving the way for a full-scale occupation of Donetsk.
The announcement has raised concerns among international observers and NATO allies, who closely monitor the developments in the conflict. The situation in Donetsk has been marked by intense shelling and sporadic clashes, with both sides accusing each other of escalating hostilities. Zelenskyy’s statement comes amid heightened tensions as the war enters its third year, with the Ukrainian military continuing to push back against Russian advances in certain areas while facing significant challenges in other fronts.
While the exact number of troops involved in the operation remains unclear, Russian state media has previously claimed that their forces are making progress in the region, which has been a focal point of the conflict. Zelenskyy’s assertions align with recent reports from Ukrainian military officials and analysts who suggest that the Russian military is intensifying its efforts to gain ground in the east. The situation underscores the complex and dynamic nature of the war, with both sides vying for control over critical territories that could determine the future of the region.