More Catastrophic News From Pokrovsk

Tough Decisions

It’s one of those moments where we have to ask how much political influence is affecting military decisions. Many Ukrainian soldiers and pro-Ukrainian analysts have criticised the role of Syrskyi for his often “last stand, no retreat” approach to defensive battles. Bakhmut and Avdiivka serve as clear examples: in Bakhmut, men were sent into poorly planned counter-attacks resembling 20th-century Soviet-style assaults, while in Avdiivka, the withdrawal came too late, with escape routes already under fire control—costing countless lives. Now, the discussion is whether history is repeating itself in Pokrovsk.

Ukrainska Pravda reports that the situation in Pokrovsk is beyond critical. At least 250 Russian troops are confirmed inside the city, engaging in street-to-street combat and targeting Ukrainian drone, artillery, and anti-tank operators. Ukrainian positions are under constant FPV drone surveillance, forcing soldiers to walk 10–15 km through mined, drone-patrolled terrain to deliver ammunition and supplies. Infantry units are isolated from command, unable to evacuate the wounded, and suffering daily casualties. Some Ukrainian positions reportedly exist only on maps, either destroyed or abandoned due to the lack of manpower.

As for the 250 Russian troops, one of the main reasons they’re having success with DRG units is that most high-rise buildings in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad are still standing, providing endless hiding spots for small groups to operate and set up ambushes. Crucially, Russian forces have fire control over all entrances to the city and are actively targeting Ukrainian FPV operators. This is likely the work of Russia’s Rubicon Group, which specialises in drone warfare and has been active on this front. With units left unrotated and wounded for up to four months, and command only heard faintly over the radio, one must ask: at what point does Ukrainian command decide it’s not worth losing more men over this city?

Video still showing mostly intact high rises.

Partial Withdrawal.

We are now witnessing the withdrawal of troops from the northern and southern fronts of Myrnohrad. This could mark the beginning of a series of tactical retreats out of the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad pocket. Russian troops have seized most of Mine 5/6 in the city’s south. From the north, Russian units have taken full control of the Kapitalna Mine and nearby ventilation shafts. Over the past two days, they have also advanced into the first streets of the Novator microdistrict and District 8. But if just now troops from Myrnohrad are retreating now, is it not already too late? To make matters worse, Russian forces have captured the town of Rodynske, positioning themselves just over two kilometres from the main Ukrainian supply and retreat route to Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. FPV coverage is one concern, but with Rodynske secured, Russian units will soon begin infiltrating the northern front of Pokrovsk as well as the remaining entrances. Time is not on Ukraine’s side. However, while Russian troops are spread throughout the city, there has not yet been full consolidation. We can see by the reports that Russian troops are targeting Ukrainian drone, artillery, and anti-tank operators. This suggests the main thrust has not yet begun, as they aim to eliminate support assets first, hinting that armour units may soon follow, much like we’ve seen in the Dobropillya salient.

Map by Suriyak

Ukraine must secure whatever remains of the narrow entrances before it is too late. Ukrainian sources on the ground describe the southern and, most critically, the western sectors as “beyond catastrophic”. To make matters worse, Ukraine has failed to dislodge Russian forces from the Dobropillya salient. Instead, it has tied down crucial units in that fight—forces that are now desperately needed to resist the Russian pincers closing around Pokrovsk.

If Pokrovsk falls soon, expect intensified attacks on Lyman and Kostiantynivka, as Russia will likely aim to eliminate those strongholds before expanding further northwest from Pokrovsk. Another possible move would be a renewed thrust through the Dobropillya salient to cut the highway linking Kramatorsk and Sloviansk to Dobropillya. Sources: Sources available upon request, not shown to maintain visual integrity of page. Specific source: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/10/24/8004333/