Ukraine’s military leadership confirmed on March 2, 2024, that its forces continue to maintain a presence in the eastern city of Pokrovsk, amidst intensified attacks from Russian troops. The city, strategically known as the “gateway to Donetsk,” has been under constant threat from Russian advances since mid-2024, as part of Moscow’s ongoing efforts to capture the entirety of the Donetsk region, which it claims to have annexed.
Prior to the conflict, Pokrovsk was home to approximately 70,000 residents. The relentless fighting has resulted in significant destruction, leaving the city largely depopulated and devastated. Control of Pokrovsk would mark a significant territorial gain for Russia, the most consequential since it captured Avdiivka earlier in 2024 after one of the war’s bloodiest battles. Currently, the city resembles a wasteland, with significant sections remaining contested.
According to Ukraine’s military chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukrainian forces are actively engaged in operations to repel the Russian assault. He stated on social media, “We are holding Pokrovsk. A comprehensive operation to destroy and dislodge enemy forces from Pokrovsk is ongoing.” The situation remains precarious, with conflicting reports about control over portions of the city.
Russian officials assert that their forces are making steady advances in Pokrovsk and the nearby town of Kostiantynivka, which would facilitate further offensives toward two critical Ukrainian-held cities, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Recent battlefield accounts indicate that Russian troops have secured a small southern section of Pokrovsk, while much of the city remains categorized as a grey zone, under the influence of neither side.
Access to the conflict zones is heavily restricted, limiting the verification of claims from both military factions. The Russian Defence Ministry’s Zvezda news outlet reported that Ukrainian soldiers are reportedly beginning to surrender in Pokrovsk, releasing footage of two individuals it claims are Ukrainian servicemen who had laid down their arms. This video remains unverified, as does its authenticity regarding timing or location.
Ukrainian authorities recently announced a helicopter operation by special forces in Pokrovsk aimed at halting the Russian advance. In response, Russian officials claimed that their forces had eliminated all members of the special forces team, which comprised 11 personnel. However, a Ukrainian military official, who requested anonymity, denied these claims, indicating that the operation was still underway.
The ongoing conflict is not limited to Pokrovsk, as battles unfold in surrounding areas, including Hryshyne, where Ukrainian forces reportedly attempted a breakout. The outcomes of these skirmishes are critical, as they could determine the viability of supply lines for Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk.
The overall situation in the Donetsk region remains challenging, with Ukraine still controlling approximately 10% of the territory within the larger Donbas area, which encompasses both Donetsk and Luhansk provinces. As fighting continues, both sides face significant casualties, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands of soldiers have perished in the ongoing conflict.
In summary, as Ukraine’s military holds its ground in Pokrovsk, the battle for control of this key city underscores the broader struggle for dominance in the Donbas region, reflecting the persistent volatility and human cost of the conflict.
