Occupants are now just 3 kilometers away from Pokrovsk, according to the military administration.
Russian troops are located less than three kilometers from Pokrovsk. The enemy has intensified shelling of the city. The settlement is currently without electricity, gas, and water supply.
Serhiy Dobryak, head of the Pokrovsk city military administration, spoke on "Radio Svoboda." According to him, the entire city is under attacks from drones and artillery.
"The situation with the shelling is worsening; it has become more frequent, involving both KABs and artillery, with FPV drones being particularly bothersome. There is no place in the city that is not targeted by artillery or drones," Dobryak stated.
He mentioned that 7,200 people still remain in the city. Despite the difficult conditions, several pharmacies, the city hospital (operating in a limited mode), one "Ukrposhta" branch, and a few shops are functioning. According to the head of the military administration, the evacuation of residents is ongoing, but its format has changed.
"There are no longer gathering points for evacuation. People are picked up directly from their homes. Most are taken to Pavlograd, where they undergo registration. Over the course of a month, people receive 10,800 UAH as 'relocation' assistance from international partners. They are housed in compact living arrangements—schools, dormitories. People can stay there for as long as necessary," said the head of the military administration.
Commenting on the situation of individuals who cannot rent housing on their own—such as pre-retirement age individuals, those with special needs, and people with disabilities—Dobryak noted that "families assist them, the state provides support in the form of IDP payments, and our humanitarian workers distribute one-time aid of 1,800 UAH."
"The state will definitely not provide separate housing for everyone," added the head of the administration.
Fighting for Pokrovsk
DeepState analysts report that occupiers are attempting to bypass Pokrovsk without getting involved in urban combat or getting stuck. A representative of the National Guard, commander of the artillery reconnaissance division Vitaliy Lytvyn, also stated that the Russians are trying to avoid entering the city and want to circumvent Pokrovsk from the directions of Pishchane and Mykolaivka. According to him, they have improved their tactical position there.
The possible change in Russian plans near Pokrovsk was explained by ISW. Analysts believe that while the Russians previously aimed to capture Pokrovsk, they are now advancing toward the administrative border of the Donetsk region from that side. There, the Donetsk region borders Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia.
However, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have showcased new fortifications near Pokrovsk, likely intended to halt or slow the enemy's advance. In the current month, they have constructed kilometers of new fortified trenches that resemble heavily fortified labyrinths.