Ukrainian city Pokrovsk faces intensified attacks and destruction

Ukrainian officials reported a significant escalation in bombardments in and around Pokrovsk, a strategic city in eastern Ukraine, as Russian forces intensified their offensive. The attacks have resulted in the destruction of critical infrastructure, including a road overpass, and have cut off water supplies to the city. Civilians are now forced to rely on wells for water, as many areas are also without natural gas and electricity. The head of the military administration for the Donetsk region described the situation as dire, urging residents to evacuate as conditions worsen. Despite Ukraine's attempts to divert Russian forces by launching an offensive in the Kursk region, the situation in Pokrovsk remains precarious. Russian troops are reportedly only five miles from the city, and the Ukrainian military has prepared for urban combat by establishing defensive positions. The ongoing bombardments have led to the collapse of infrastructure, further complicating evacuation efforts. The Ukrainian military has halted daily evacuation trains, indicating a significant decline in security within the city. Civilians can still evacuate via side roads, but the destruction of bridges and the loss of essential services signal a new phase of crisis. The bombardments have intensified since the summer, with the Russian Air Force employing glide bombs, which are more destructive than traditional artillery. As the conflict continues, Pokrovsk faces a grim fate similar to other cities in the Donbas region, which have suffered extensive damage from Russian artillery. The situation underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for safe evacuation routes for civilians caught in the crossfire.