Two weeks ago, the Monitor’s Howard LaFranchi was the rare reporter to get into Pokrovsk, Ukraine, which is facing a tough Russian onslaught. It’s still hanging on. Today’s stories also include Trump’s eye-popping Cabinet picks, worries over a Trump ‘warrior board,’ and how Trump leaves European allies fearing for their future. Join the Monitor's Ali Martin and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.