Fog Lifts Russian Tactics in Strategic Push Towards Pokrovsk

Wed Nov 12 2025 12:30:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Dense fog conditions have aided Russian forces in advancing deeper into Pokrovsk, intensifying the conflict as Ukraine's defenses struggle against heightened aggression.

Recent weather conditions, particularly thick fog, have allowed Russian troops to make significant gains in the city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine. Reports indicate that the fog has facilitated Russian movements and strategies, complicating the situation for Ukrainian defenses. Despite efforts to repel the advances, Ukrainian officials acknowledge the deteriorating circumstances, particularly in the southeastern regions.

Dense fog has enabled Russian troops to move further into the key strategic city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine's 7th Airborne Assault Corps reports that the adverse weather conditions have prompted Moscow to intensify its attempts to encircle Ukrainian forces within the city.

For over a year, Russian forces have sought to seize Pokrovsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that the fog has favored Russian operations and described the situation as increasingly difficult.

Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi warned that the front line situation in the southeastern Zaporzhzhia region has significantly worsened, acknowledging the loss of three settlements. Despite the grim outlook, Syrskyi highlighted that the primary Russian activity is currently concentrated around Pokrovsk.

Social media footage has surfaced showing Russian soldiers maneuvering through the fog-covered roads on civilian vehicles and motorbikes, showcasing their attempts to capitalize on the obfuscated visibility. BBC has verified the location of this video at the southern outskirts of the town along the Selidove-Pokrovsk highway.

For several days, the fog has obstructed aerial reconnaissance capabilities, allowing Russian forces to launch attacks without immediate threat of drone strikes. A Ukrainian drone pilot expressed concern that their reconnaissance efforts have been severely hampered, making it difficult to monitor Russian troop movements.

The 7th Corps estimates that approximately 300 Russian soldiers are now present in Pokrovsk, indicating that their numbers may have increased since previous reports by Zelensky. Observations from monitoring groups suggest that Russian forces are closing in on various sectors of the city, and its capture may be imminent.

As the conflict intensifies, Russian tactics also involve targeting Ukrainian logistical routes to undermine their supply chains. Analysts suggest this infiltration strategy has proven effective as it creates chaos among defenses.

In a bid to reinforce their positions, Ukrainian troops are attempting to push back Russian advances from nearby settlements, aiming to create a gap between Russian flanks while combating ongoing assaults.