Ukrainian officials have initiated the evacuation of residents from Pokrovsk, a pivotal town in the Donbas region, as Russian forces intensify their advances in eastern Ukraine. This decision comes even as Ukrainian troops continue their offensive into Russia’s Kursk region.
Families with children from Pokrovsk and nearby areas are being instructed to leave, with the head of the local military administration, Serhii Dobriak, stating that residents have a maximum of two weeks to evacuate ahead of the Russian advance. Pokrovsk serves as a crucial defensive stronghold and logistical hub for Ukrainian forces on the eastern front.
Donetsk region Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that over 53,000 residents, including nearly 4,000 children, remain in Pokrovsk. Authorities have mandated the evacuation of children along with their parents or guardians due to the imminent threat posed by enemy weapons. The evacuation rate has surged to approximately 500 to 600 individuals per day, as basic services in the town are expected to deteriorate with the advancing Russian army.
This evacuation order coincides with statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, indicating that Ukrainian forces are making headway in their operations in the Kursk region. Zelensky remarked that their actions are “achieving [their] goals,” including increasing the number of Russian prisoners of war for potential exchanges.
One objective of the Kursk incursion is to redirect Russian military resources from the Donbas region, aiming to alleviate pressure on Ukrainian defenders. Reports suggest that Ukraine has destroyed a third bridge over the River Seym in the Kursk area, although Kyiv has not taken public responsibility for these actions. The destruction of the bridge could significantly hamper Russian logistics, strengthening Ukraine’s control over reclaimed territories.
Notably, new pontoon bridges constructed by Russian forces have been identified, indicating ongoing military logistics adaptations despite the recent setbacks.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has observed that while Russia appears focused on gradual territorial advances in the east, Ukraine’s unexpected maneuvers in Kursk demonstrate its ability to regain the initiative, countering a potential war of attrition. Ukrainian forces claim to have captured nearly 1,000 square kilometers of territory since launching their campaign on August 6, while the ISW estimates Russia’s territorial gains at approximately 1,175 square kilometers from January to July.
