The Russians have been gathering forces to capture the city of Pokrovsk, located in the strategically important Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, for some time now. Over the past week, the attacks have escalated.
The past 24 hours have been particularly intense. According to the Ansa news agency, Ukraine has repelled over 70 Russian attacks on the city in 24 hours.
Ukrainian soldiers who CNN spoke to say that there is no order to withdraw yet, even though "everyone already understands that the fall of Pokrovsk is inevitable."
"The situation is difficult with all kinds of fighting going on, firefights in urban areas and shelling with all kinds of weapons. We are almost surrounded," said a soldier who wished to remain anonymous.
Pokrovsk was long seen as a key city for Ukrainians due to its road and rail connections, but due to the fighting, much of its logistical value has disappeared.
However, a Russian conquest still has great symbolic value for Russian President Vladimir Putin, a military expert told CNN .
