**Russia Steps Up Attacks Near Pokrovsk**
Russian forces have resumed their attacks in the Pokrovsk sector in Donetsk Oblast, according to Mykola Koval, spokesperson for Ukraine‘s National Guard’s Chervona Kalyna brigade.
The town of Pokrovsk is one of the most contested areas on the front line. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi previously claimed that 7,000 Russian soldiers were killed near Pokrovsk in January alone.
In recent weeks, the situation had been somewhat stable, with Ukrainian forces holding their ground against Russian troops. However, Koval said that Russian forces have become more active and are trying to break through Ukraine’s defense lines.
“They’re using more drones and artillery, as well as infantry,” Koval told Kyiv24 Channel. “It’s very difficult to deter them with such an influx.”
This news comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia is attempting renewed offensives in various parts of the front line, including Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
**Ceasefire Talks Continue**
Meanwhile, ceasefire talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US are ongoing. The talks aim to establish a truce in the Black Sea region and cease strikes on energy infrastructure in both countries.
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz is scheduled to discuss a possible ceasefire deal with his Russian counterpart later today. A joint statement from the talks was not adopted due to Ukraine’s position, according to Vladimir Chizhov, deputy chairman of the Federation Council Security Committee.
**Other News**
* Nearly three-quarters (74%) of EU citizens believe their country has benefited from EU membership.
* The Danish government will introduce a state-backed guarantee through the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) to support Ukrainian businesses.
* Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko began his seventh term in power after declaring himself the winner of January elections, which were widely seen as unfair.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com