Russia building up main assault group near Pokrovsk, Zelenskyy says
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia has concentrated its main assault group against Pokrovsk, making the situation there difficult. Fierce fighting is ongoing on the approaches to the city, and Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups are operating inside Pokrovsk.
"Right there, against Pokrovsk, the Russians have concentrated their main assault group. This involves a significant number of enemy troops. Naturally, this creates a difficult situation in Pokrovsk and all neighboring districts. There are intense battles in the city and on its approaches. Sabotage and reconnaissance groups are present in the city. Logistics is challenging," Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized the need to continue destroying the enemy and inflicting losses as quickly as possible. Zelenskyy added that Russia's plans for its offensive operation have been repeatedly disrupted.
"Russian plans for their offensive campaign over the past ten months have once again been destroyed thanks to the bravery of our soldiers. The deadlines set by Putin were not met by the Russian army. This is not the first time," he said.
The president shared positive news from Ukrainian paratroopers in recent days, including the 82nd Separate Air Assault Bukovyna Brigade of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, operating on the Pokrovsk direction in the Myrnohrad community.
"Every such success on the Pokrovsk front right now is extremely difficult, but also extremely important," Zelenskyy said.
He also spoke about significant achievements as part of the Dobropillia operation. According to Zelenskyy, these areas have provided important replenishment for Ukraine's exchange fund.
"I thank every soldier, sergeant, and officer fighting there in Donetsk. Also in Kupiansk and Zaporizhzhia — this all strengthens our positions in diplomacy. It greatly supports our relations with the world. Thanks to your strength, Ukrainian soldiers, the world continues to have the power and motivation to pressure Russia over this war. To force Russia to end this war," the President concluded.
Fighting for Pokrovsk
About a week ago, reports emerged online that Russian sabotage groups had captured the center of Pokrovsk and killed several civilians. Shortly afterward, the 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces reported that Ukrainian troops had located Russian forces and eliminated them inside the railway station building.
Meanwhile, reports of Russian sabotage groups continued to appear in the media. Recently, Valentin Manko, Chief of the Assault Units Directorate, said that Ukrainian assault troops had entered the city and were clearing it of enemy forces.
Yesterday, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi visited the Pokrovsk direction. He stated that he instructed commanders not to distort or hide information about the real situation on the front.
Today, October 26, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that the enemy has amassed around 200 troops in Pokrovsk.
