Russia Still Losing the Battle for Pokrovsk: 110,000 Troops and the City Remains Ukrainian!
Did you know Russia has been trying to capture the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine for almost a year? And get this — they’ve amassed a staggering 110,000 troops nearby! Yet, surprise surprise, the city remains firmly under Ukrainian control.
The Hottest Spot on the Frontline Pokrovsk is currently the hottest spot along the 1,200-kilometer front line. Ukrainian General Oleksandr Sirski revealed this area is where the fiercest fighting is happening. Russian forces have launched one grinding offensive after another but have failed to break through Ukraine’s defenses.
Why Is Pokrovsk So Important? Though not a large city, Pokrovsk is strategically crucial because it sits on a key railway line connecting other military hubs in the Donetsk region. Along with Kostyantynivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk, it forms the backbone of Ukraine’s defense in this part of the country.
Putin’s Obsession President Vladimir Putin has made it clear he wants to seize the entire territory of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. While his forces already control much of these areas, Pokrovsk remains out of reach. Kyiv and its allies accuse Putin of dragging out peace talks just to grab more Ukrainian land.
How Are Ukrainians Holding On? The U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Ukrainian defenses forced Russia to abandon a frontal assault on Pokrovsk. Instead, Ukraine has smartly integrated drones into their defense strategy, combining drone operators with ground troops to great effect.
Russian Setbacks and Withdrawals Russia couldn’t significantly increase troop numbers in the area because it had to pull forces from other fronts, like the Kursk region, where it lost about 63,000 soldiers and 7,000 North Korean fighters. This allowed Ukraine to ease pressure on the main fronts.
Siege and Psychological Warfare Instead of direct attacks, Russian troops have started encircling the city from the south and northeast, launching small raids with just a few soldiers, sometimes using motorcycles and off-road vehicles. The goal isn’t just territorial gain but also a psychological effect — to claim “victories” and boost troop morale.
What’s Next? Though the Russian invasion began over three years ago, Pokrovsk stands as a symbol of Ukrainian resilience. The city had about 60,000 residents before the war, most of whom fled, but those who remain continue to hold the line. The last active coke mine in Ukraine, located in Pokrovsk, closed earlier this year, making life even harder.
The Bottom Line While Russia throws tens of thousands of troops and massive resources at capturing Pokrovsk, Ukrainians hold firm using smart tactics and technology. This battle isn’t just military — it’s psychological, a fight for prestige and proof that even overwhelming force can’t easily break the Ukrainian spirit.
So, what do you think? Will Russia ever take Pokrovsk, or is this their eternal “black hole”? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s the optimist and who’s the pessimist in this crazy power game!
