“Something has changed — they are exhausted”: commander notices a crack in the Russian offensive on Pokrovsk

Ukraine's 25th Airborne Sicheslav Brigade continues to hold the northern part of Pokrovsk despite daily Russian assaults, but its battalion commander says the enemy is showing signs of exhaustion, according to Army Inform. The commander also warned that collaborators among remaining civilians are actively helping Russian forces inside the city.

Russian attacks persist, but intensity drops

Russian forces are still trying to capture Pokrovsk and launch attacks daily, the battalion commander with the call sign "Hera" told the national telethon. Ukrainian troops from the 25th Brigade are holding their ground in the city’s northern part. Although the shelling and storming continue, Hera said the situation has shifted in recent days.

"Something has changed. They’re exhausted. The intensity is still there, they have plenty of manpower, and they throw it at us, though those are being destroyed. Still, the intensity has somehow decreased," Hera stated.

The commander said Ukrainian paratroopers repel Russian assaults and conduct strike-and-search operations to improve their positions.

Civilian presence complicates the frontline

Despite the continued fighting, many civilians remain in Pokrovsk, which Hera called a major problem. He noted that some of the remaining residents are collaborating with Russian forces.

"For example, just yesterday about ten people moved toward the southern [Russian-controlled] part of the city. They help the rashists (a portmanteau for 'Russian' + 'fascist', - Ed.). They point out our positions, show where they spotted us,"  said the officer, "They go around, identify our groups by houses. The enemy's supply situation is very tough, these, as you might call them 'people' help feed them," he said.