Ukraine has deployed special forces to the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk, as the nation’s military leadership emphasizes efforts to maintain control amidst a significant Russian offensive. According to Ukraine’s top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskii, the situation is critical, but operations to repel Russian forces from the area are actively in progress.
Since mid-2024, Russia has intensified its efforts to capture Pokrovsk, which serves as a vital supply route for Ukrainian troops and is often referred to as “the gateway to Donetsk.” The fall of this city would mark a pivotal territorial advance for Russia in Ukraine, comparable to its capture of Avdiivka earlier this year following one of the conflict’s bloodiest confrontations.
Conflicting narratives have emerged from both sides regarding the situation on the ground. The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed on Saturday that its forces had overcome Ukrainian special units in Pokrovsk, sharing videos allegedly showing Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered and spoke of facing encirclement by Russian troops. However, the authenticity of the videos remains unverified, and Ukrainian officials have not publicly responded to these claims.
President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Russian forces have surrounded Ukrainian defenders in Pokrovsk. In a counter to this assertion, General Syrskii affirmed that while the conditions are challenging for Ukrainian forces, there is no encirclement or blockade as claimed by Russia. He highlighted that responsibility for the defense lies with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, particularly UAV operators and assault units.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acknowledged the infiltration of some Russian troops into parts of Pokrovsk, but he expressed confidence in Ukraine’s ability to eliminate these threats. Russian officials indicate that controlling Pokrovsk and the nearby city of Kostiantynivka would facilitate advances toward Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, the two largest remaining Ukrainian-held cities in Donetsk.
Despite the intense military pressure, Ukraine’s commitment to defending its territory remains steadfast, showcasing resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. The situation continues to evolve, with both sides preparing for what could be decisive confrontations in the heart of the conflict.