Russian invasion Fighting

Ex-military man arrested in Ukraine – suspected of espionage

A former European military instructor has been arrested in Ukraine, suspected of spying for Russia, reports AFP.

“According to the investigation materials, this foreigner provided the enemy with official information about the Ukrainian defense forces and was preparing to commit terrorist acts,” the Ukrainian security service SBU said.

According to the SBU, the person was instructed on how to make explosive devices and was provided with a weapon by the Russian intelligence service FSB.

Intense street fighting in strategically important Pokrovsk

Violent street fighting is underway in the strategically important city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, several media outlets report.

Russia's Vladimir Putin claimed earlier on Wednesday that they have surrounded the city and made it appear as if it is a matter of time before it is under their control. Both Ukraine and military analysts deny that Russia's successes are that great, but admit that they are advancing.

“It is a very difficult situation because a significant part of the city has been infiltrated by the occupiers,” drone pilot Denys told the New York Times.

Russia has been trying to take control of the city for almost a year, but Ukraine has managed to resist, largely because of its drones. To get into the city, the Russians have advanced in very small groups, especially when visibility has been poor, which has made the drone pilots' work more difficult.

Denys also claims that the Russians have been dressed in civilian clothes and have tried to blend in with the approximately 1,000 people who still live in Pokrovsk.