Strategic Battle for Pokrovsk: Russia's Critical Push to Control Eastern Ukraine's Gateway City

Oct 29, 2025 09:32 pm CST

Russian forces have nearly encircled Pokrovsk, a crucial transportation hub in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, employing a strategic pincer movement rather than frontal assaults. The city's capture would provide Moscow control over vital supply routes, disrupt Ukrainian logistics, and create a platform for advancing toward key Ukrainian strongholds in Donetsk. President Zelenskiy acknowledges "fierce fighting" as Ukraine rushes to reinforce positions in this strategic gateway city that represents approximately 10% of the contested Donbas region.