Janice R. Andrews
Ukrainian forces are locked in a fierce battle to defend the strategically vital city of Pokrovsk, a critical supply hub in eastern Donetsk, as Russian troops inch closer to capturing the area. Located at the intersection of major highways and a key railway station, Pokrovsk is one of the last major towns standing between Russian forces and the neighboring Dnipropetrovsk region.
With Russian troops now less than a dozen kilometers away, Ukrainian soldiers are working tirelessly to slow the advance. Explosions echo constantly, and firing orders are issued almost every minute. Despite the intensity, Ukrainian troops remain resilient. At their base, soldiers appear calm, even playing with dogs, but they are acutely aware of the fragile situation.
Ihor, a senior battery officer in the 38th Brigade, described the combat as “constant and active.” He emphasized the challenges posed by a critical shortage of artillery shells, which are essential for countering Russian threats. Ihor also firmly rejected any notion of ceding territory to Russia, stating, “We already went through this twice. It’s just delaying and allowing time for Russians to go further with new strength.”
Ukrainian commanders recognize the high stakes of the battle for Pokrovsk. If Russian forces capture or bypass the city, they could advance deeper into Ukraine, forcing Ukrainian troops to retreat. To prevent this, Ukraine’s strategy focuses on inflicting maximum losses on Russian forces, buying time to hold their ground.
As the war nears its three-year mark, the fight for Pokrovsk underscores the determination of Ukrainian forces to defend their land, even as they face significant challenges. The outcome of this battle could have far-reaching implications for the future of the conflict.
