Zelensky: Attack on Pokrovsk is a political message to Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that the Russian attack on the city of Pokrovsk is meant to be a demonstration of military success intended for Donald Trump. At the same time, he warned that Russia was also massing forces near the town of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region.

The Defence Minister announced that Ukraine plans to localise the production of Swedish Gripen fighter jets by 2033. In addition, they are also preparing a new strategy for the export of Ukrainian weapons, which they are expected to present by December.

The country is thus signalling its intention not only to defend itself, but also to strengthen its defence and industrial sovereignty in the medium term.

At the same time, the Ukrainian army, led by General Oleksandr Syrskyi, is intensifying combat operations around Dobropil'sk in the Donetsk region to relieve the defences of Pokrovsk, where Russian troops have penetrated most of the city, according to him.

Syrskyy reported that the priority is to maintain logistics routes and push Russian forces out of populated areas. The Russian Defense Ministry says troops are making good progress in the streets of Pokrovsk and that Ukrainian troops are surrounded. Kiev denies this, although it acknowledges the seriousness of the situation and is bolstering its defences with special forces.

(reuters, mja)