Thick Fog Fuels Russian Advance in Strategic Ukrainian City of Pokrovsk

Thick fog has enabled Russian troops to move further into the key strategic city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine's 7th Airborne Assault Corps states that weather conditions, particularly dense fog, have caused Moscow to intensify its efforts to funnel more troops into the beleaguered city, with the aim of encircling remaining Ukrainian forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the situation remains dire, attributing some of the difficulties faced by Ukrainian defenses to the advantageous weather for Russian operations.

Meanwhile, Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi warned that the overall situation on the front line in the southeastern Zaporozhzhia region has significantly worsened, with reports of the loss of three settlements.

Syrskyi indicated that Russian activity has peaked around Pokrovsk, where a viral video shows Russian soldiers using civilian vehicles to traverse fog-laden roads.

This terrain has impeded aerial reconnaissance efforts, allowing Russian forces to capitalize on the poor visibility to navigate closer to Ukrainian positions without facing immediate drone strikes.

The 7th Corps claims that approximately 300 Russian soldiers are currently present in Pokrovsk. Observers suggest that this number could have increased significantly in the preceding days as Russian forces intensify their encroachment.

In recent weeks, fog has obscured visibility for reconnaissance, facilitating Russian assaults and complicating Ukrainian defenses. Ukrainian military analysts report that infiltrative tactics have proven successful, with Russian soldiers sometimes masquerading as locals or even Ukrainian troops to create chaos among defenders.

As the situation escalates, the Kremlin appears to be broadening its offensive efforts across various fronts, including Kupyansk in the northeast and the southern Zaporozhzhia region.

Ukrainian officials remain vigilant, having repelled several attempts at Russian advances in critical areas, though the threat remains high as both sides navigate the complexities of urban warfare under challenging weather conditions.