Russia forces continue advance in Ukraine, thousands evacuated from Pokrovsk • FRANCE 24 English

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Washington to request long-range missile access, a move opposed by allies fearing escalation. Meanwhile, Russian forces are nearing the crucial Eastern logistics hub of Poov, prompting mass evacuations. Poov, a vital rail and road junction, supplies logistics to other Ukrainian strongholds. Its potential fall would be disastrous, as seen by the intensified Ukrainian defenses and the urgency of maintaining control.

Takeaways

• 🇺🇦 President Zelensky is preparing to visit Washington to request permission for Ukraine to use long-range missiles against targets inside Russia.
• 🚨 Western allies are concerned that such a move could escalate the conflict in Ukraine.
• 🔍 The Russian army is reported to be approximately 10 kilometers away from the Eastern Logistics Hub of Poov.
• 🛣️ Poov is a significant rail and road hub in Eastern Ukraine, which has now come under threat from Russian advances.
• 🏰 Ukrainian authorities and the army are reinforcing the defenses of Poov to prevent it from falling into Russian hands.
• 🎯 The situation in Poov is critical as it supplies logistics to other Ukrainian strongholds in the region.
• 💥 Losing control of Poov would be a significant setback for Ukraine, affecting supply lines to key locations in the East and South.
• 🌐 The Eastern front is one of the most volatile areas, with Russian forces advancing at the fastest pace since the war began in 2022.
• 🔊 The reporter in Poov can hear artillery and gunfire in the background, indicating ongoing fighting and tension in the area.
• 🤝 The Ukrainian forces are determined to hold their positions and prevent Poov from becoming another strategic loss like Bahmut.

Q & A

What is the purpose of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky's upcoming visit to Washington?

President Zelensky is preparing to visit Washington to make a fresh appeal for Ukraine to be allowed to use long-range missiles on targets inside Russia.

Why is the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine a contentious issue?

The use of long-range missiles is a red line for Russia's allies who fear that it would escalate the war in Ukraine.

How close is the Russian army to the Eastern Logistics Hub of Poov?

The Russian army is said to be around 10 kilometers away from the Eastern Logistics Hub of Poov.

What is the significance of Poov in Eastern Ukraine?

Poov is a major Rail and Road Hub which supplies logistics to most other Ukrainian strongholds in eastern Ukraine, and its loss could be a big catastrophe for Ukraine.

What actions have the Ukrainian authorities taken in response to the Russian advances near Poov?

The Ukrainian authorities and army are shoring up the defenses of Poov by moving brigades towards this sensitive area of the East to try and prevent it from being taken by Russian troops.

What is the current situation on the Eastern front of the conflict?

The Eastern front is one of the most fragile areas, with Russian troops moving forward at the fastest rate since 2022.

What is the strategic importance of the rail and road routes in Poov?

The rail and road routes in Poov are crucial for supplying logistics to other Ukrainian strongholds in the region, making its control vital for Ukraine's defense.

What is the current state of the conflict around Poov?

The conflict around Poov is intense, with both sides fighting to control the area, and there are ongoing battles to prevent it from becoming another 'Bakhmut' situation.

What does the term 'Bakhmut' refer to in the context of the script?

The term 'Bakhmut' refers to a situation where a strategic location is under heavy attack and at risk of being lost, similar to what is happening in Poov.

Why is the situation in Poov considered unthinkable just a few months ago?

The situation in Poov was considered unthinkable because it was far back from the front lines and was a logistics and transport hub, making its current vulnerability to Russian advances unexpected.

What are the potential consequences if Russia were to take control of Poov?

If Russia were to take control of Poov, it could disrupt the supply of logistics to other Ukrainian strongholds in eastern Ukraine, significantly impacting Ukraine's ability to maintain its defenses.