Russian troops are making a concerted push in eastern Ukraine and have gained a foothold in the strategic hub of Pokrovsk, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky stated that Russian soldiers are currently outnumbered by Ukrainian forces by an 8-to-1 ratio in the area, a disparity that Ukraine finds challenging to match. Despite this, he emphasized that Russia had not yet achieved its planned objectives.
The town of Pokrovsk has been a target for Russian forces for two years. As a crucial supply and transport center, it plays a vital role in providing resources and reinforcements to the eastern front. Capturing Pokrovsk would significantly advance Moscow’s goal of controlling the entire Donetsk region and bring towns within the heavily fortified “fortress belt” – Kramatorsk, Slovyansk, Kostyantynivka, and Druzhkivka – closer to Russian reach.
President Zelensky reported that drone footage indicated approximately 200 Russian soldiers were inside Pokrovsk. He described the situation as “difficult,” noting widespread fierce fighting and the presence of “sabotage groups” within the town, but he refuted Russian claims of completely encircling Ukrainian troops.
A soldier from Ukraine’s 155th Brigade, Artem Pribylnov, questioned the Russian assertion of an encirclement, explaining that while a physical encirclement might not be present, the technological nature of modern warfare, particularly drone surveillance controlling access points, made the situation extremely perilous, potentially leading to Russian claims of encirclement.
According to Captain Hryhoriy Shapoval, spokesperson for Ukraine’s East operational group, 79 attacks were repelled near Pokrovsk since Monday. He highlighted that Russian forces had concentrated significant troop numbers and equipment in the vicinity of Pokrovsk, utilizing armored vehicles to support their infantry, which made them challenging to stop.
Shapoval also noted that adverse weather conditions, including fog and rain, had hampered Ukraine’s use of drones to detect and neutralize Russian infantry, further complicating defensive efforts.
The intense fighting around Pokrovsk underscores the high stakes involved in even minor territorial gains along the front line. Reports from Ukrainian media last week indicated that Russian forces were engaged in street battles and specifically targeting Ukrainian positions, including drone operators.
Beyond direct engagements, drone technology has become a significant factor, enabling both Russian and Ukrainian forces to conduct operations deep behind enemy lines.
As Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches its fifth year, Russian troops currently occupy approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. President Zelensky has voiced concerns about shrinking defense capabilities and has appealed to European allies for sustained financial support to continue the fight for another two to three years.
European leaders are reportedly struggling to finalize a plan to divert €140 billion in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, a move that has faced legal complexities and was recently blocked by Belgium at an EU summit, with the proposal set to be reconsidered in December.
Zelensky conveyed to European counterparts the need for stable financial assistance, emphasizing that while Ukraine was not seeking a decades-long conflict, it required dependable support.
The Ukrainian president also expressed hope that upcoming talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping might influence China to reduce its support for Russia. Trump’s recent sanctions on Russian oil companies and his appeals to Turkey and China to halt oil purchases are seen as potential leverage points.