Ukrainian military commander Oleksandr Syrsky has announced that Russia has amassed 110,000 troops near the eastern city of Pokrovsk, as part of its efforts to capture this strategically important Ukrainian city. Syrsky stated that the area around Pokrovsk is “the hottest spot” along the 1,200-kilometer eastern front line.
Russian forces have been attempting to seize Pokrovsk for nearly a year, launching one grueling offensive after another. Despite a clear numerical and technical superiority, they have so far failed to gain control of the city. Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that his objective is to fully conquer all eastern regions of Ukraine – Donetsk and Luhansk.
City’s Significance and Past Defense
Before the war, approximately 60,000 people lived in Pokrovsk, but most have fled since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The last active coking coal mine in Ukraine was located in Pokrovsk, and many of its workers remained in the area to keep it operational. After the mine was forced to close earlier this year, those workers also began to leave.
The Institute for the Study of War reported late last year that Ukraine’s defensive operations in Pokrovsk forced Russia to abandon its initial plan for a frontal assault. Ukrainians successfully integrated drones and drone operators with ground forces in defense, which significantly slowed Russian attacks.
Ukraine’s Response
On Thursday, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov told journalists in a closed meeting that Ukraine has decided to significantly increase the number of long-range attacks on Russian territory, and has also found a solution for countering Shahed drones.
