POKROVSK REGION, Ukraine (AP) — A dire shortage of infantry troops and supply routes coming under Russian drone attacks are conspiring against Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk, where decisive battles in the nearly three-year war are playing out — and time is running short.

Russia blasted Ukraine with a massive bombardment, launching 42 missiles and 123 drones in a coordinated assault, marking the first large-scale attack since Jan. 15. Ukrainian air defense forces intercepted 56 drones,

After Russia's 2022 invasion, Ukraine's normally febrile political life was becalmed under martial law. But there have been growing signs of activity picking up, as the United States has set its sights on finishing the war with Russia quickly.

There are increasing reports from the front about extensive Ukrainian drone attacks on targets in Russia. In response, Moscow has deployed a record number of drones in recent months. "We have a positional war on both sides,