Russia said it has captured Pokrovsk, a key eastern Ukrainian city, though Ukraine dismissed what it said were “loud statements” by Moscow aimed at influencing war talks.
Pokrovsk was long seen as an important city for the Ukrainians – because of its road and rail connections – but frequent drone and artillery attacks on the key highway and rail line forced Kyiv to find alternative supply routes, diminishing the strategic value of the city.
The claim by Moscow, which CNN is unable to independently verify, comes after months of heavy fighting for control of the strategic hub. Moscow has sustained thousands of dead and injured in its assault on the city.
The claim came shortly after high-level talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Florida on how to end the war, and a day before US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Putin in the Russian capital.
Credit: cnn.com
