As Russia tightens grip on Pokrovsk, has Ukraine's gamble with Kursk invasion failed?

Eastern Ukraine’s Pokrovsk is a strategic city whose control will allow Russia to make further gains in the region with ease
As Russia tightens grip on Pokrovsk, has Ukraine's gamble with Kursk invasion failed?
Russia has launched a heavy attack on Eastern Ukraine, around the key logistical hub of Pokrovsk. Image used for representative purpose/Reuters
After weeks of encouraging updates from Russia’s Kursk where Ukraine has made rapid gains, it is now time for grim news.

Even as Ukraine has captured more than 1,000 square kilometres of territories in Russia’s Kursk province, it may be about to lose a very significant city.

The Russian forces are nearing the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk province. It is a very strategic city which is logistical hub, an industrial powerhouse, and is considered the gateway between eastern and central Ukraine. If the city falls, Ukraine not just loses supply lines in the entire region but Russian forces acquire a launchpad for mounting assaults deeper in Ukraine and controlling other strategic cities.