Russian forces have reportedly gained positions in Pokrovsk, a town in eastern Ukraine identified as a strategic hub. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that drone imagery indicated approximately 200 Russian soldiers were present in Pokrovsk. This development could bring towns within the "fortress belt" – Kramatorsk, Slovyansk, Kostyantynivka, and Druzhkivka – into closer proximity for Russian forces. Pokrovsk serves as a supply and transport hub for the eastern front, and its capture would contribute to Russian objectives for occupying the entirety of the Donetsk region. President Zelensky also noted that Russian forces outnumber Ukrainian forces 8-1 in the area.
Operational Overview in Pokrovsk
President Zelensky described the situation in Pokrovsk as "difficult," reporting significant fighting and the entry of groups identified as sabotage units into the town. He rejected reports by Russia's Chief of General Staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, claiming Ukrainian troops had been completely surrounded.
On Tuesday, Russia's defence ministry stated that its forces had encircled Ukrainian troops near the main railway station and had cleared the city's Troyanda district of Ukrainian forces.
An Ukrainian soldier from the 155th Brigade, Artem Pribylnov, contested the claim of Ukrainian troops being encircled in Pokrovsk. He characterized the conflict as evolving and increasingly reliant on technology, noting that drones now control access points, which presents significant risks. He suggested this might be why Russia claims encirclement without a physical encirclement of the city.
Captain Hryhoriy Shapoval, spokesperson for Ukraine's East operational group, reported that 79 attacks had been repelled near Pokrovsk since Monday. This figure represents almost a third of the total 218 assaults recorded across the entire front line. He stated that Russian troops had concentrated a large number of personnel and equipment near Pokrovsk and were utilizing armoured vehicles to cover their infantry, making them challenging to stop. He added that foggy and rainy weather conditions had hindered the use of Ukrainian drones, which are typically employed to detect and destroy infantry.
Ukrainian media reported last week that Russian forces were engaged in street battles and targeting Ukrainian positions, including drone operators, in Pokrovsk. The situation in and around Pokrovsk illustrates the challenges associated with shifting the front line. Drone technology is being utilized by both Russian and Ukrainian forces to conduct strikes deep on either side of the front line.
Broader Context of the Conflict
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, initiated in February 2022, continues. Russian forces currently occupy approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.
President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's defense capabilities are diminishing and that the country requires financial support from its European allies to continue operations against Russian forces for an additional two or three years. He conveyed to European counterparts that while Ukraine "is not going to fight for decades," stable financial support is necessary for a certain period.
International Financial and Diplomatic Efforts
European leaders have not yet diverted €140 billion worth of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. This action would involve complex legal procedures and was reportedly blocked by Belgium at an EU summit last week. The proposal is scheduled to be revisited in December.
President Zelensky expressed hope that an upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping would lead to a decision by China to reduce its support for Russia. Last week, former President Trump imposed sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft, two major Russian oil companies, and urged Turkey and China to halt purchases of Russian oil as an effort to exert economic pressure on the Kremlin. Zelensky indicated that this could be a significant action, particularly if China subsequently reduces imports from Russia.