Moscow claims forces are encircled with no chance of survival.
Russia said on Wednesday that Ukrainian troops trapped in the embattled cities of Pokrovsk and Kupiansk should surrender, claiming they are fully surrounded and have «no chance of survival.»
Moscow has been attempting to seize Pokrovsk, known as «the gateway to Donetsk», since 2024 as part of its broader campaign to capture the entire Donbas region. Ukrainian forces still control around 10% of the area, roughly 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles).
In contrast to previous frontal assaults, Russia has used pincer movements to encircle Ukrainian positions in both cities.
