Ukraine says 38,000 people remain in Pokrovsk as Russian forces close in on strategic city

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - ​​​​​​​Ukraine reported on Wednesday that 38,000 people remain in the city of Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub in the eastern Donetsk region, as Russian forces continue to advance amid the ongoing conflict.

“Currently, 38,000 people remain in the city of Pokrovsk, including about 1,900 children,” Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin said in a statement on Telegram. He noted that the city had more than 80,000 residents before the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022.

Filashkin added that international organizations and volunteers are assisting in the evacuation of people from Pokrovsk and nearby settlements, where authorities declared a mandatory evacuation a week ago.

He also mentioned that banks in the city would continue operations until the end of the week, with only ATMs remaining functional starting Monday.

Last Wednesday, Ukraine’s Ministry of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories announced the mandatory evacuation of the Pokrovsk district in Donetsk, particularly the cities of Pokrovsk and Rodynske, along with 12 villages.

Pokrovsk has become a key front in the ongoing war, with Moscow regularly claiming control over settlements during its offensive.

Earlier on Wednesday, Russia claimed to have captured the settlement of Komyshivka, located about 23 kilometers (14.3 miles) southeast of Pokrovsk.