**Estonia’s Intelligence Chief Praises Ukraine‘s Defense**
Colonel Ants Kiviselg, head of Estonia’s Defense Forces Intelligence Center, is impressed with Ukraine’s defense in the city of Pokrovsk. The city is located in Donetsk Oblast and has been under pressure from Russian forces.
**Russian Advances**
The Russian army launched a big push to capture Pokrovsk in July 2024. They first took control of Prohres on July 19, which allowed them to move closer to the city. By early August, they were just 18 kilometers away and had many soldiers – around 40,000.
**Why Pokrovsk is Important**
Pokrovsk is a key location for Ukraine’s supply lines in eastern Ukraine. If Russia takes control of the city, it will make it harder for Ukraine to get the things it needs.
**Russian Casualties**
The Estonian intelligence expert said that Russian forces have suffered heavy losses trying to take Pokrovsk. They have lost 46,000 soldiers and destroyed many tanks, combat vehicles, and artillery systems – a total of 307 tanks, 899 combat vehicles, and 884 artillery systems.
**Heroic Defense**
Despite the challenges, Colonel Kiviselg praised Ukraine’s armed forces for defending small settlements along the Sukhi Yaly river line. He said it was a heroic effort.
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