Russian Military Forces Advance towards Kupiansk and Pokrovsk, Ukrainian Authorities Report
Russian military forces have made significant advances towards the key Ukrainian cities of Kupiansk and Pokrovsk, posing severe humanitarian challenges for the residents who remain in these areas, as reported by local authorities on 8 January. The escalating conflict in eastern Ukraine has intensified as Russian troops continue their push to capture strategic locations in the Donetsk Oblast region.
Kupiansk on the Brink
The city of Kupiansk is now facing imminent danger, with the front line of Russian forces approaching within a mere two kilometers of its boundaries. Andriy Besedin, the head of the Kupiansk City Military Administration, revealed on Ukrainian TV that Russian troops have conducted more than 12 assault operations in the Petropavlivka-Holubivka direction. Their primary target is the central area of Kupiansk, aiming to advance towards the main Svatove-Kupiansk highway to gain control over the city. Besedin further highlighted the challenging situation in the Zahryzove-Lozova-Kruhliakivka direction, where the enemy persistently launches assaults in an effort to reach the left bank of the Oskil River.
Pokrovsk under Siege
Meanwhile, the city of Pokrovsk is also under severe threat, as Russian forces have moved to within three kilometers of its vicinity. Serhiy Dobriak, the head of the Pokrovsk City Military Administration, reported to Radio Liberty that the city is currently grappling with a lack of essential services such as electricity, gas, and water supply. The situation has worsened due to intensified shelling, including air bombs, artillery strikes, and the deployment of FPV drones that pose a significant risk to the civilian population. The entire city is at risk from indiscriminate attacks, making it a perilous environment for residents.
Humanitarian Crisis
Despite the perilous conditions, approximately 7,200 people have chosen to remain in Pokrovsk, enduring a lack of basic necessities since the summer. With no water supply, limited electricity, and gas outages, the city’s infrastructure has been severely compromised. However, some essential services such as pharmacies, a hospital operating at reduced capacity, a post office, and a few shops are still operational. Efforts to evacuate the remaining residents are ongoing as authorities strive to ensure the safety of the population in the face of escalating conflict.
In conclusion, the situation in Kupiansk and Pokrovsk remains critical, with Russian military forces making significant advances towards these key Ukrainian cities. The humanitarian challenges faced by the residents are immense, as basic services have been disrupted, and the threat of further violence looms large. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with a focus on alleviating the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire of this ongoing conflict.
