Russian forces appear to tighten grip on strategic city of Pokrovsk

Military analysts say situation in Pokrovsk has deteriorated, while Kremlin says it plans to explore resumption of nuclear testing

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, centre, holds a meeting with servicemen near Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine. Picture: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office/AP

Moscow’s forces appear to be tightening their grip on Pokrovsk, with street fighting raging across the ruined city in eastern Ukraine, as the Kremlin announced plans to explore the resumption of nuclear testing.

Ukraine’s general staff on Wednesday denied Russian claims that its troops had been encircled, saying efforts were under way to reinforce the flanks around Pokrovsk and the nearby town of Myrnohrad.