Zelensky Denies Moscow's Claims of Pokrovsk Capture

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Russia's assertion that its forces have taken control of the strategically important city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.

In a conversation with reporters on Friday, he stated, "At this moment, Pokrovsk is not encircled" and that Moscow's claims about Ukraine's defeat do not align with reality. Meanwhile, Zelensky acknowledged that there is a significant concentration of Russian troops in the surrounding areas, creating a "difficult situation in all directions."

The president allowed media representatives to follow his consultation, which involved Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Vasyl Malyuk, head of the Ukrainian Security Service. Malyuk reported that Ukrainian forces continue to strike Russian oil infrastructure.

According to Malyuk, around 160 successful strikes have been conducted this year, which he claims have reduced Russia's internal oil supplies by approximately 20 percent and caused significant damage to the country's refining facilities.