As the battle for the strategic city of Pokrovsk intensifies, Ukraine has reportedly deployed special forces to the embattled area amidst claims of 170,000 Russian troops positioned for a major offensive. Street battles are raging, with Ukrainian forces facing significant challenges as Russian soldiers have breached outer defenses. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized that the situation remains critical, denying encirclement and asserting that Ukrainian troops are holding their ground, despite military analysts noting the growing manpower crisis and disadvantageous troop ratios. With Russian advances threatening to turn Pokrovsk into a stronghold, both sides are engaged in fierce urban combat, signaling a pivotal moment in the conflict for control over the Donetsk region.