Russian Forces Advance into Pokrovsk Amidst Dense Fog

Russian forces have advanced further into Pokrovsk, a city in eastern Ukraine, a development attributed to dense fog. This environmental factor has reportedly facilitated deeper troop movements into the urban area.

Military Assessments and Frontline Situation

According to Ukraine's 7th Airborne Assault Corps, the prevailing dense fog has intensified Russian efforts to penetrate the city and encircle Ukrainian positions. Russian forces have been attempting to capture Pokrovsk for over a year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the fog has benefited Russian attacks, describing the situation as difficult.

Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported a 'significantly worsened' front-line situation in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, including the loss of three settlements. Syrskyi noted that Russian military activity was highest around Pokrovsk.

On-the-Ground Observations and Engagements

A video circulated on social media shows Russian soldiers driving civilian vehicles and motorbikes along a fog-obscured road. The BBC confirmed the video's location as the southern outskirts of Pokrovsk, on the Selidove-Pokrovsk highway.

A drone pilot, identified by the call-sign 'Goose' from the 'Shershni Dovbusha' unit of the 68th brigade, stated that fog had hindered aerial reconnaissance for several days. This condition, according to the pilot, allowed Russian forces to launch vehicle-column assaults that would typically be neutralized by Ukrainian drones.

The pilot further reported that his unit regularly identified and eliminated small Russian groups advancing on foot or motorbikes. He claimed his unit engaged in repelling the attack shown in the widely circulated video, which reportedly occurred on Sunday. 'Goose' stated that the convoy was partially destroyed; however, a lack of video monitoring due to weather conditions prevented full confirmation of the engagement's outcome.