Battle for Pokrovsk: Key Ukrainian city braces for Russian assault

Pokrovsk, a city of 60,000 in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, is being discussed in every possible context. It is expected to be the site of a crucial battle in fall 2024 between Ukrainian and Russian forces. "The battle for Pokrovsk may be the last for Russian troops this fall," says one analyst.

For the past few weeks, it has been speculated that Pokrovsk could be a key target for the Russians. The city serves an extremely important logistical function. According to various estimates, Putin's army is at a distance of a few miles to no more than six miles away from this city of 60,000 in Donetsk Oblast.

The potential capture of Pokrovsk would make it harder for the Ukrainians to maintain supply lines between Chasiw Yar and Vuhledar. It is expected that the city itself may be destroyed like Avdiivka, which the Russians turned into rubble, capturing it house by house after many months of fighting in February 2024.

Analyst at the Center for Military and Legal Studies Oleksandr Musienko believes that the fight for Pokrovsk will be a crucial battle in the current stage of the war. He claims the battle "will begin in a few weeks."

I think the battle for Pokrovsk could be the last for Russian troops this fall and the last in their annual offensive campaign, which began in October 2023, coming from the direction of Avdiivka," he stated in a conversation with Radio NV, as cited by Interia. "Ukrainian soldiers have a chance to repel these attacks, although there will be heavy fighting," he added.

The residents of Pokrovsk are preparing for the assault. An evacuation of residents is underway. Defensive fortifications have already been established around the city. Serhiy Dobriak, head of the military administration, said that preparations began in March and April 2022. Miners and public utility workers were among those involved in the efforts.