KYIV, UKRAINE: Russian forces are steadily moving closer to the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, a key area for both road and rail. After capturing several villages south of the city, Russia has begun encircling it. The ongoing battle is becoming more intense, as Ukrainian forces are struggling with fewer numbers. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Ukraine has halted operations at its only coking coal mine, which is located nearby.

What is Pokrovsk?

Pokrovsk, previously known by its Soviet-era name Krasnoarmeysk, is a crucial road and rail hub in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. Before the war, it had around 60,000 residents, but now only about 7,000 remain. Most of the population has fled due to the conflict. The city plays an essential role in supplying other towns under heavy fighting in the east, like Chasiv Yar and Kostiantynivka.

The only coking coal mine in Ukraine, which is vital for the steel industry, is located about 10 km west of Pokrovsk. However, due to security concerns, operations at the mine were suspended in January, threatening to significantly reduce Ukraine’s steel production.

Pokrovsk is also home to the region's largest and oldest technical university, which has been heavily damaged by shelling. Many of its windows have been blown out or boarded up.

Why Does Russia Want Pokrovsk?

Russia claims to have annexed the Donetsk region and views controlling Pokrovsk as a necessary step in fully integrating the area into Russia. Kyiv and its allies reject this claim, accusing Russia of illegal territorial expansion.

Taking control of Pokrovsk would allow Russia to disrupt Ukraine’s supply lines along the eastern front, putting pressure on other key towns like Chasiv Yar. Additionally, it would give Russia control of higher ground, which could be crucial for future military advances.

Ukraine’s Defense of Pokrovsk

In response to the growing threat, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky replaced the commander overseeing the eastern front, Brigadier General Andriy Hnatov, with Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, aiming to strengthen Ukraine’s defense efforts. This move followed other leadership changes in the region, including replacing General Oleksandr Lutsenko in December after criticism of his handling of the situation.

Ukraine’s military forces have been fortifying their positions around Pokrovsk, sending reinforcements, and bolstering defenses with more supplies. Russia, on the other hand, has suffered heavy losses in its push toward the city, but it continues to advance.

The State of Pokrovsk

Pokrovsk has been heavily damaged, with no electricity, gas, or water. Despite the ongoing conflict, the Ukrainian flag still flies over the city. Videos taken in January show apartment buildings in ruins, abandoned streets, and elderly residents being evacuated from shelters. Many locals, however, have chosen to stay, despite the dangers, as they have nowhere else to go.