Part of Pokrovsk will be closed for the defense of the city, the authorities say

In connection with defense training, parts of the city of Pokrovsk will be closed, Serhiy Dobryak, the head of the Pokrovsk military administration, told Suspilny on October 30.

The combat front-line city of Pokrovska was the center of Russia’s offensive in the Donetsk direction in recent months. The city is a key logistics center for Ukrainian forces.

“Fortification structures are being built in Pokrovsk, and we are already entering the city, and certain areas of the city will be closed, so please leave these areas without entering or leaving the city,” – Dobryak. said.

“Several echelons have already been built in the city, which will partially block the streets and neighborhoods of Pokrovsk.”

Entry and exit to the city will not be completely blocked, Dobryak said, clarifying earlier comments on national television.

Dobryak’s announcement follows reports that Russia has captured the neighboring town of Selidove. Although Ukraine has not officially confirmed these claims, an expert told the Kyiv Independent that Selidove was in fact “lost”.

Loss Selidove is dire news for Pokrovsk, which is only about 18 kilometers (11 mi) to the northwest. Russian troops have been slowly advancing towards Pokrovsk over the past few months, even as they gain territory cumulative losses.

A significant part of the city’s infrastructure has already been destroyed, Dobryak said.

“The infrastructure has been destroyed by 80%. Electricity is available in 60% of Pokrovsk, but not in six settlements and the city of Rodynske,” he said.

“The wounded are taken to Dobropill, we have family doctors, there is a city hospital. There are 325 wells in the city, including 9 points of free drinking water. Water is also delivered by the utility company, UNICEF has been helping to deliver water for two years. weeks.”

According to Dobryak, as of October 30, 11,900 people remain in Pokrovsk, including 55 children. Evacuation continue

Before the full-scale invasion of Russia in February 2022, about 60,000 people lived in Pokrovsk.

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