In a tragic turn of events, the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk was targeted by Russian shelling on Sunday, resulting in the loss of one life, according to local authorities. The strikes come as Russian troops continue to inch closer to the key logistics hub, inflicting further damage and disruption to the city's infrastructure.

Pokrovsk, a vital intersection of rail and road routes that supply Ukrainian troops and towns across the eastern frontline, has long been a strategic target for Moscow's army. The city's military administration reported that the enemy shelled the western part of Pokrovsk around 11 am, claiming the life of one person. The exact details of the casualty and the extent of the damage inflicted by the artillery rounds fired at a building near a petrol station earlier in the day have not been disclosed.

The relentless Russian advances in recent months have brought them to within a mere 10 kilometres (six miles) of Pokrovsk's eastern outskirts, posing a serious threat to the city and its residents. Over the past two weeks, Russian strikes have exacerbated the situation by cutting off water and electricity supplies to many of the city's remaining inhabitants, forcing over 20,000 people to flee since August.

The devastating impact of the Russian shelling is further evident in the structural damage sustained by Pokrovsk. Local media have reported that two overpasses in the city, including one connecting Pokrovsk to the neighboring town of Myrnohrad, have been severely damaged by the attacks. The destruction of vital infrastructure elements adds to the already dire circumstances faced by the residents, hindering their mobility and impeding crucial logistical connections.

As tensions continue to escalate, the international community remains deeply concerned about the intensified conflict and its humanitarian implications. Efforts to de-escalate the situation and protect the lives and well-being of civilians in Pokrovsk and other affected areas are urgently required.

The Ukrainian government and its allies are closely monitoring the evolving situation, strategizing to counter the advancing Russian forces and safeguard the inhabitants from further harm. However, with the Russian troops closing in, the future remains uncertain for Pokrovsk and its residents, as they endure the grave consequences of the relentless shelling and the resulting disruption to essential services.