Russia Escalates Offensive in Strategic Ukrainian City Kurakhove

Russian forces have reportedly entered the Ukrainian city of Kurakhove, a key logistical hub in the Donbas region, initiating street battles as part of a broader eastern offensive. Capturing Kurakhove would disrupt Ukrainian supply lines and facilitate further Russian advances towards Pokrovsk. Despite heavy casualties, Russian troops are executing a three-pronged pincer movement to encircle the city, intensifying pressure on Ukrainian defenders. The situation is described as challenging, with increased drone activity and a largely evacuated civilian population.