In a press conference held on Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns over the escalating situation in the Pokrovsk sector of the Donetsk region, as Russian forces continue their advance. Zelensky revealed that the Russian army is attempting to replicate their capture of Bakhmut, even if it means suffering significant casualties, with estimates reaching up to 60,000 soldiers.

Speaking in Kyiv, Zelensky highlighted the pressure exerted by Russian troops in the Pokrovsk sector and emphasized their intention to repeat the success they had in capturing Bakhmut. He acknowledged that engaging in a "tit-for-tat" scenario, where both sides suffer heavy losses, is not a feasible strategy. However, he predicted that the Russian forces could face a devastating outcome, with the potential loss of tens of thousands of soldiers in the conflict.

Zelensky pointed out that Russian troops have encountered resistance and been targeted when attempting to retreat, similar to the situation in Bakhmut. He emphasized that due to this resistance, the Russian forces are likely to sustain considerable casualties in the Pokrovsk sector, and the consequences of their actions will soon become apparent.

Highlighting the recent developments near Pokrovsk, Zelensky noted that the progress of Russian troops in the region had slowed down after the offensive in the Kursk region commenced. He also highlighted that it is not the number of brigades present that determines success, but rather the determination, capabilities, and tactics employed by the fighters.

Supporting Zelensky's statements, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky revealed that diverting enemy forces from the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove sectors had been one of the goals of the Kursk operation. He confirmed that approximately 30,000 soldiers had been redeployed to the Kursk direction, with the number continuing to increase. Meanwhile, Russian forces, utilizing their resources in the Pokrovsk sector, have intensified their efforts to counter the Ukrainian offensive.

As tensions escalate, the Ukrainian government has ordered the evacuation of families with children from the area, anticipating further advancement of Russian forces towards Pokrovsk. The offensive launched by Ukraine into the less-fortified Kursk region on August 6th caught Moscow off guard, prompting the Kremlin to declare a "counter-terrorist operation" in the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk Oblasts. However, Ukrainian forces remain undeterred and continue their offensive, displaying no signs of slowing down.

The ongoing conflict has garnered international attention, particularly with reports from sources such as the Washington Post noting the capture of over 240 Russian soldiers in the Kursk region since the offensive commenced. Ukrainian officials have stated that the objective of the operation is to establish a "buffer zone" to prevent Russian shelling of Ukrainian territory. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to President Zelensky, further indicated that the Kursk operation serves as part of Ukraine's broader efforts to pressure Russia into engaging in negotiations.

With tensions mounting and the potential for a significant loss of life, the situation in the Pokrovsk sector remains critical. The international community continues to monitor and assess the developments in the conflict, as both sides remain firmly entrenched in their positions.