Moscow claims Control of Pokrovsk in Eastern Ukraine
POKROVSK, UKRAINE – November 4, 2025 – Russian forces have declared full control of Pokrovsk, a strategically contested city in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, marking a notable territorial gain for Moscow. Teh capture represents Russia’s most substantial military advance since the fall of Avdiivka in February 2024.
Pokrovsk, located north of the city of Pokrovsk, had been the site of intense fighting for months, with ongoing civilian evacuations in the area. The loss is a blow to Kyiv, which had hoped to demonstrate to Western allies – particularly the United States and European nations – the effectiveness of billions of dollars in military aid.
However, critics argue Ukraine prolonged the defence of Pokrovsk at a disproportionate cost, diverting resources from strengthening other defensive lines. Moscow’s broader war aims remain the capture of the Ukrainian regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson – territories Russia claims as its own, alongside the already-annexed Crimea. Currently, Russian forces do not fully control any of thes regions.
Ukrainian forces are facing mounting pressure along multiple sectors of the front in the south and east, compounded by personnel shortages stemming from recruitment difficulties and reported desertion.
Since autumn 2023, Russian forces have employed a revised tactical approach, advancing slowly despite incurring heavy losses. Following the capture of Pokrovsk, they utilized small infantry groups to bypass Ukrainian defenses, avoiding large-scale assaults and the deployment of armored vehicles - which are vulnerable to Ukrainian drone attacks.
Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) reported a special forces operation aimed at preventing the fall of Pokrovsk, but ultimately failed to alter the outcome.
Despite the loss of Pokrovsk, analysts do not anticipate immediate, dramatic shifts in the war’s trajectory. Both sides are engaged in a war of attrition, aiming to exhaust the opponent’s resources. However, Ukraine’s prospects for success are increasingly challenged compared to those of Russia. (dpa)
