Vikrant Shekhawat : Dec 13, 2024, 01:00 AM
Russia-Ukraine News: The war between Russia and Ukraine has taken another serious turn. According to recent reports, fighting has become more fierce around the important city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine's top military commander said that Russian troops are now just a few kilometers away from this strategic city, making the area the center of the war.Pokrovsk: An important defensive strongholdPokrovsk, which had a population of about 60,000 before the war in February 2022, is considered an important defensive stronghold for Ukraine. If Russia captures the area, the defense capability of Ukraine's eastern borders could be weakened. In addition, it will provide a route for the Russian army to penetrate deeper.Increasing pressure of Russian attacksThe Ukrainian General Staff said on Thursday that in the past 24 hours, the Russian army carried out about 40 attacks around Pokrovsk, which were successfully repelled by Ukrainian forces. However, the Russian army is concentrating its strength, using glide bombs and heavy artillery to break through Ukrainian defences.Ukrainian army statementUkrainian army chief General Oleksandr Sirsky said in a post shared on Facebook,"The Russian army is using all its might. Our troops are less in number, but we are trying to stop their every attempt."Sirsky also pointed out that the Russian army's tactics include the extensive use of glide bombs and other heavy weapons, which are challenging Ukrainian defences.International concern and crisis of military aidAnother concern for Ukraine is that the billions of dollars of military aid from the US, which has been helpful in its fight against Russia so far, could be affected under the tenure of newly-elected President Donald Trump. Any reduction in US aid will directly impact Ukraine's defensive capabilities, which could make it easier for Russia to escalate its campaign.What is the way forward?Analysts believe that the fighting around Pokrovsk could get more fierce in the coming days. If Russia captures the area, it will not only be a strategic defeat for Ukraine but will also become a major challenge for its international allies.ConclusionUkraine currently faces major challenges not only at the military but also at the diplomatic level. Defending Pokrovsk is not just a military mission, but it is a symbol of protecting Ukraine's sovereignty and independence. In such a situation, the support of the international community can prove to be decisive for Ukraine.