Ukraine’s top military commander has sounded the alarm over the growing concentration of Russian forces near the eastern city of Pokrovsk. According to General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Russia has positioned approximately 110,000 troops in the vicinity as part of a prolonged campaign to seize the strategically important location.
Pokrovsk: A Strategic Target
Pokrovsk, located in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, has become the focal point of the war’s most intense combat. Though relatively modest in size, the city holds significant strategic value due to its location on a vital supply route and railway line linking key military centers such as Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk—all critical components of Ukraine’s defensive infrastructure in the region.
Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the city was home to around 60,000 residents. Over the past three years, however, most have fled due to constant bombardments and the deteriorating security situation. Pokrovsk was also the site of Ukraine’s last operational coking coal mine, which remained active until early 2024. Its closure prompted the remaining workforce to evacuate as well.
Russian Offensives Stalled
Despite Russia’s numerical and logistical advantages, repeated attempts to overrun Pokrovsk have failed. The Ukrainian army has managed to repel Moscow’s efforts for nearly a year, thanks in part to innovative defensive strategies. Ukrainian troops have effectively integrated drone operations with ground forces, allowing them to blunt direct assaults and create a more dynamic and adaptive front line.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a U.S.-based military analysis organization, noted that Russia had to abandon its original plan for a frontal assault due to Ukraine’s effective defense. Instead, Russian forces have shifted to a strategy of encirclement, attempting to surround Pokrovsk from the south and northeast rather than launching head-on attacks.
The Kursk Operation: A Strategic Shift
Ukraine’s surprise offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk has also played a significant role in slowing Russia’s advance in Donetsk. According to Syrskyi, the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk diverted nearly 63,000 Russian soldiers and 7,000 allied North Korean troops away from the Pokrovsk front.
“This operation allowed us to relieve pressure on our defensive lines and reposition our troops,” Syrskyi explained. “The fall of Pokrovsk, which Russia predicted would happen as early as September 2024, has been delayed largely thanks to our maneuver in Kursk.”
Tactical Shifts and Psychological Objectives
In its latest update, the ISW reported that Russia continues to employ small, mobile fireteams—sometimes using motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles—to probe Ukrainian defenses and maintain pressure on the city. These tactics aim to wear down defenders while preparing for a potential larger-scale breakthrough.
Syrskyi emphasized that beyond operational goals, Russia is seeking symbolic victories. “They want to plant their flag, declare success, and create a psychological impact,” he said. “But we remain committed to defending every inch of our land.”
As the conflict grinds on, Pokrovsk remains a flashpoint in the broader battle for eastern Ukraine. Its fate could influence not only the trajectory of the war but also the morale of both sides in this high-stakes struggle.
