Fierce battles over eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk

Russian attackers and Ukrainian defenders have once again engaged in fierce battles over the strategically important city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine.

The General Staff in Kiev said in its Wednesday evening situation report that 35 Russian attacks were reported around the city on the edge of the Donbass during the course of the day.

"Three Russian armies are concentrated here against us," regional commander Viktor Trehubov was quoted by the news agency UNIAN as saying.

He stated, "The battles here are very intense because the Russian occupiers are throwing all available forces forward and trying to break through our troops' defence lines."

In the attempted pincer attacks on Pokrovsk, the Russian attackers reportedly suffered heavy losses. On the previous day alone, 133 Russian soldiers were killed, he said.

These figures could not be independently verified.

The Russian military is attempting to advance as close as possible to the outskirts of Pokrovsk and break through the defenders' left and right flanks.

Trehubov described the situation, saying, "Since fighting in the city itself is very unpleasant, the enemy is trying to force battles in the outskirts to compel the Ukrainian forces to retreat and avoid a frontal assault."