The battle for Pokrovsk, a vital logistics hub in eastern Ukraine, has escalated as Russia's Defense Ministry asserts that its troops have encircled Ukrainian forces. Ukraine, however, refutes these claims, maintaining that its supply lines remain intact and that it has reinforced its military presence in the area. The conflict over Pokrovsk is critical, as capturing this town could provide Russia with a strategic advantage to advance towards larger cities like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acknowledged the pressure on Pokrovsk but insists that no district is fully under Russian control. Meanwhile, Germany has announced additional financial support for Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing international backing for Kyiv amid the protracted conflict.