Russian Military Amasses Forces Near Pokrovsk, Ukraine Reports
POKROVSK, Ukraine – Ukrainian military officials reported Sunday that Russian forces are concentrating troops in the vicinity of Pokrovsk, a strategically critically important city in the Donetsk region. The build-up signals a potential intensification of fighting in the area, which has seen heavy clashes in recent weeks.
observers confirm reports from Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi indicating the Russian offensive near Pokrovsk is beginning to slow, though fighting remains intense. Valerii Guerassimov, a Russian official, stated on Sunday that the 9M730 Bourevestnik missile-dubbed SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO-has completed “decisive tests” and is nearing deployment, claiming it is “invincible” against existing and future anti-missile systems due to its range and unpredictable trajectory. During a recent test on October 21, the missile reportedly flew for approximately fifteen hours, covering over 14,000 km.
The escalating situation around Pokrovsk comes as Russia continues to raise the specter of nuclear weapons in response to Western support for Ukraine.In 2018, Vladimir Putin unveiled a series of advanced nuclear weapons systems, asserting their ability to overcome any defence. Prior to a planned summit between Donald Trump and putin in Alaska, researchers noted increased activity at the Pankovo site in Novaya zemlya, suggesting preparations for a test of the 9M730 bourevestnik. This development coincided with the announcement of a new American anti-missile shield, dubbed the “golden dome,” prompting increased focus on the Russian missile program.
