Ukraine-Russia War: Pokrovsk Becomes Key Battleground with 100,000 Russian Troops
As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fourth year, the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region has emerged as a critical battleground, with Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly determined to incorporate it into Russian territory.
More than three years into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began in February 2022, the strategic city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk region has emerged as a critical flashpoint. As of June 29, 2025, all ceasefire efforts have failed, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has intensified his campaign to annex Pokrovsk, deploying 110,000 troops to seize this vital hub. The city, crucial for its coal mine and supply routes, is under siege, with Ukrainian forces fiercely resisting, marking a pivotal moment in the protracted war.
Pokrovsk’s Strategic Significance
Pokrovsk, once home to 60,000 residents, is a linchpin in Ukraine’s eastern defenses, connecting key military hubs like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk via road and rail. Its capture would allow Russia to disrupt Ukrainian logistics and advance toward Dnipropetrovsk or northern Donetsk cities. Putin’s ambition to incorporate Pokrovsk into Russian territory aligns with his goal of controlling Donetsk and Luhansk, says media reports. However, Ukraine’s innovative drone and ground tactics have slowed Russian advances, forcing a shift from frontal assaults to flanking maneuvers.
Intense Clashes and Heavy Losses
The battle for Pokrovsk has been brutal, with Russia suffering significant casualties—estimated at 3,000 in two weeks last December, per the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported 400 Russian casualties daily in January 2025, highlighting the high cost of Moscow’s push. Despite deploying 110,000 troops, Russia’s progress remains slow, advancing just 135 meters per day since capturing Avdiivka in February 2024. Ukraine’s 117th Brigade and others continue to hold fortifications, bolstered by drone warfare, though manpower shortages persist.
Humanitarian and Economic Toll
Pokrovsk’s population has dwindled to 7,000, with 70% of homes and 95% of industrial facilities damaged, per local officials. The Pokrovs’ke coal mine halted production in January 2025 due to encroaching Russian artillery, impacting Ukraine’s steel industry. Civilians face constant shelling, with the city’s power grid collapsing in December 2024, leaving residents in dire conditions.
A Stalled Conflict
As Putin pursues his territorial ambitions, Ukraine’s resilience in Pokrovsk underscores the war’s stalemate. With no ceasefire in sight, the battle for this city reflects the broader conflict’s grinding nature, with both sides paying a heavy price in lives and resources.
