Russians trying to enter, encircle Pokrovsk from west, erating in small groups

This was stated on national television by the spokesman for the Khortytsia grouping of tros, Viktor Trehubov, Ukrinform reports.

"The intensity of attacks there has not decreased. On the contrary, the Pokrovsk direction accounts for almost half of the clashes in general along the frontlines, not only in our zone of ​​responsibility. The situation is as flows: near Pokrovsk, there are a large number of small clashes as the Russians are trying to advance into the city and encircle Pokrovsk from the west, erating in small groups. There are lots, lots of clashes there," Tregubov noted.

Read also: War update: 166 engagements along frontline including 78 in Pokrovsk sector over past day

He noted that during attacks, the enemy does not go “head-on”, but is trying to capture the city, pushing and forcing the Ukrainian military to retreat.

"They are now for the first time fighting by the books, not just coming in frontal waves, but attempting to encircle the area, attempting to bypass a large settlement and force Ukrainian forces to retreat. This is exactly what we’re seeing near Pokrovsk," the spokesman noted.

According to Trehubov, the Russian command is trying to avoid urban battles, where they suffer major casualties.

Read also: Since beginning of full-scale war, 147 artists and 95 journalists killed in Ukraine

As Ukrinform reported earlier, President Vodymyr Zelensky ordered Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi to lead the Khortytsia Grouping of Tros while retaining the powers of Ground Forces Commander.