**Intense Fighting in Ukraine’s Donetsk Region**
The city of Pokrovsk, located 60km northwest of Donetsk, is under intense attack by Russian forces. The Ukrainian army’s 25th Brigade has been fighting to defend the city, but the front line has not stabilized.
“We have not been able to stabilize the front,” says Oleksandr, head of a medical unit for the 25th Brigade. “Each time the front line moves, we also move.”
The medical team at the field unit is overwhelmed with wounded soldiers. The fighting has caused widespread destruction and erosion of morale among civilians.
**Civilians Flee as Fighting Intensifies**
Many residents have fled Pokrovsk in fear of their lives. Larysa, 69, says she’s terrified and can’t afford to leave without sedatives. Raisa, 77, agrees that the government should take her in for a while, but what after that?
Nadiia, an 80-year-old woman, is frustrated with President Putin‘s desire for more land. “Damn this war! I’m going to die,” she says.
Despite the danger, some locals are working to repair war-damaged infrastructure. Vitaliy, one of them, believes it’s essential to fight until victory and Russia is punished for its crimes.
**Young Soldier Questioning the Cost**
Roman, a 20-year-old soldier, questions whether the territory being fought over is worth human lives. “Lots of our soldiers have died,” he says. “But they had to go to the front line.”
As we drive towards the battlefield outside Pokrovsk, fields of dried sunflowers line the roads. The sounds of explosions and gunfire fill the air.
**Ukrainian Forces Fighting Back**
At a Ukrainian artillery position, Vadym fires a Soviet-era artillery gun. He’s aware that if Pokrovsk falls, it could open a gateway to the Dnipro region, making their job even more difficult.
“Yes, we are tired – and many of our men have died and been wounded – but we have to fight, otherwise the result will be catastrophic,” he says.
The situation in Ukraine’s Donetsk region remains dire. The international community is urged to continue supporting the country as it faces this ongoing conflict.