LCI reporters went to the gutted streets of the city of Pokrovsk, which lives under Russian assault.
10,000 people still live there, in very precarious conditions.
“I will stay until the Russians arrive,” says Svetlana.
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War in Ukraine: a thousand days since the Russian invasion
After a year of military setbacks, the encirclement of the city of Pokrovsk by the Russians is a new blow for Ukraine. In this mining town in Donbass, in eastern Ukraine, the Russian army is getting closer and closer. The fighting and the sounds of cannon can be heard everywhere in the gutted city, the collapsed bridges and destroyed Soviet buildings bear witness to the extent of the bombings. LCI reporters went to the town and met the residents. 10,000 people still live there despite the danger.
A matter of time before the city falls
Svetlana is one of them. “I'm staying here because I'm serving as a conduit for bread, cold meats and milk. People need it. I'll stay until the Russians arrive. As soon as they do, I'll leave.”she explains. “The situation here… I don't really know. I no longer have electricity in my apartment. I haven't had a television for months. I don't even know what's going on outside here anymore “also testifies Yuri, confirming that in Pokrovsk, there is no more water or gas, and that electricity no longer works everywhere, or only a few hours a day.
In an attempt to prevent the Russian army from advancing, Ukraine deployed its artillery in the area. “I am fighting for my land, for Ukraine, I will fight until my last drop of blood”explains Oleg, artilleryman of the 68th Jaeger brigade.
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LCI DOCUMENT – War in Ukraine: Pokrovsk, last moments before the fall
Some military experts consider Pokrovsk already lost, pointing to the responsibility of the generals, the delay in drone deliveries, or even systemic problems in the defense lines… “Everyone has accepted the fact that the Russians are going to enter Pokrovsk”assures a Ukrainian soldier followed by 200,000 people on social networks. On Wednesday December 25, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed the capture of the village of Vidrodjennia, very close to Pokrovsk, a key logistical node for the Ukrainian army.
