In brief
Ukrainian troops in Pokrovsk are fighting to maintain their hold on the city, which has become a strategic battleground as Russian forces press their advance. While losses have been significant, Ukrainian commanders insist that the north of the city remains under their control, emphasizing the importance of proving their resilience amid ongoing conflict. The situation remains tense, with front-line soldiers dealing with constant threats from drone surveillance and enemy advances. The soldiers express determination not to yield their territory, with statements reflecting a strong commitment to resisting Russian claims.
Pokrovsk has not fallen yet. That is despite President Vladimir Putin's recent claim that Russian forces have taken the city.
There is no doubt Ukraine has been losing ground in this key city in the east. For Russia, Pokrovsk is another stepping stone towards its goal of taking control of all of the Donbas. But Ukraine needs to prove it is still capable of resisting.
At a Ukrainian command post, well behind the front line, orders are relayed by radio in rapid succession. Soldiers monitor dozens of live drone feeds, coordinating strikes on Russian positions inside the city.
The commander of the Skala Assault Regiment, Yuri, is eager to demonstrate to reporters that Ukraine still controls the northern part of the city, hoping to debunk the Kremlin's claims.
During a brief moment, two of their soldiers are instructed to wave a Ukrainian flag outside a building to affirm their presence. They move swiftly to avoid detection, quickly returning to cover after the show of defiance.
Yuri states, You've now seen it with your own eyes. I think the whole world should know we will not just give up our territory. If we do not show this, everyone will lose faith and stop helping Ukraine.
The battle for Pokrovsk, a critical logistics hub for Ukraine's military, has been ongoing for nearly 18 months, leaving the city in ruins.
While Russian forces have been making gradual advances from the south, Ukrainian troops insist they still maintain control up to the railway line that crosses the city.
Sasha, a 25-year-old battalion commander, uses a map with plastic soldiers to illustrate current front lines – green for Ukrainian troops, brown for Russian advances. He shares that Russian tactics involve small units sneaking past Ukrainian positions, sometimes posing as civilians. Although effective, he notes that invaders entering their rear are quickly identified and dealt with.
The fighting has led to significant casualties on both sides; however, Ukrainian forces feel the pressure of maintaining their ground.
Soldiers express vigilance despite exhaustion, showing determination to resist any pressure to concede territory for peace. Comments from soldiers like Rabbit and Ghost highlight their commitment to holding their land, emphasizing that giving up would only encourage further aggression from Russia.
As they continue to defend Pokrovsk, the reports indicate that Ukrainian soldiers are contending with advanced Russian drone technology and face constant challenges from enemy pressure.
