Russian forces press Eastern Ukrainian cities

Russian forces executed dozens of attacks on Toretsk and Pokrovsk in Donetsk, Eastern Ukraine, with 21 attacks near Toretsk alone, continuing into the night. Around Pokrovsk, there were 63 engagements. Russians are about 10 kilometers from Pokrovsk, prompting roughly 600 daily evacuations. Donetsk’s regional governor stated the security curfew in Pokrovsk is tightened amid a ‘very difficult’ situation. Ukraine remains committed to defending Toretsk, vital for its supply chain. Russia claims capture of Zalizne, near Toretsk. Ukrainian forces reportedly control 1250 sq km and 92 towns in Russia’s Kursk region. President Zelenskyj seeks allied approval to use Western weapons for strikes within Russia to obviate the need for incursions and strengthen the frontlines at Pokrovsk and Toretsk.