Pokrovsk, August 17 — Local authorities in Pokrovsk, a city in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast, have ordered the immediate evacuation of all residents as Russian forces make significant advances towards the city. The head of the military administration in Pokrovsk announced the decision through a post on Telegram, urging residents to leave without delay as Russian troops approach the outskirts of the city.

The evacuation order follows reports of intense fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces in the area. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that Pokrovsk has become a focal point of conflict, with President Volodymyr Zelensky describing the city as one of the key areas under the most severe Russian attacks in recent days.

This development comes 11 days after Ukrainian forces launched a surprise offensive into Russian territory, targeting regions such as Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk. Ukrainian forces reportedly captured around 390 square miles in the Kursk region, according to Ukraine's army chief, General Oleksandr Syrskyi.

In response, Russia has escalated its military actions in eastern Ukraine, launching missile strikes, drone attacks, and airstrikes against Ukrainian positions. While Russian military officials claim to have halted the Ukrainian advance in Kursk, Ukraine maintains that its forces continue to make progress in the region.

The situation in Pokrovsk is dire, with local authorities emphasizing the urgency of the evacuation as the Russian military closes in on the city. The ongoing conflict has led to the evacuation of millions from the Kursk region, and Belgorod, another border region in Russia, has declared a state of emergency at the federal level.

As the battle intensifies, the safety and security of civilians in Pokrovsk and surrounding areas remain a critical concern.