Ukrainian city faces water and heat crisis after Russian strikes

The city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis, lacking both drinking water and natural gas for essential cooking and heating. This situation has arisen as Russian military operations intensify in the Donetsk region, leading to significant destruction of public infrastructure. Approximately 18,000 residents remain in the city, including over 500 children, while more than 20,000 have fled in recent weeks due to the advancing conflict. The capture of Pokrovsk is critical for Russia, as it would jeopardize Ukraine's defensive capabilities and supply routes in the region. The ongoing conflict has seen Russian forces employing heavy artillery and aerial bombardments, resulting in extensive damage to cities like Bakhmut and Avdiivka. Despite the challenges, Ukrainian forces have managed to hold their ground, even as some strongholds face imminent threats. In a strategic move, Ukraine has also launched operations into Russia's Kursk region, hoping to divert Russian troops from the Donetsk front. The situation is exacerbated by continuous missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which could lead to dire conditions during the winter months. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has highlighted this tactic as part of a broader strategy by Russia to weaponize the cold against the Ukrainian populace. Recent drone strikes have also caused significant damage in other regions, such as Konotop, further complicating the humanitarian situation. As the conflict evolves, Ukraine's military intelligence has reported successes, including the downing of a Russian Su-30SM jet. However, the overall landscape remains precarious, with fears that the introduction of more advanced weaponry could escalate the conflict further, complicating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.