Russian forces are progressing swiftly towards Pokrovsk, accelerating their movement.

Russian troops are blazing a trail towards Pokrovsk at an accelerated pace, facing some hurdles in Kursk but pushing on in Donbass. For months, military progress in eastern Ukraine has been painstakingly slow, but there's been a noticeable pickup in momentum nearby.

Military experts suggest that the Russians are storming through the Pokrovsk front at a brisk speed in eastern Ukraine. As reported by the US Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces have already taken control of the majority of Novohrodivka, a small town south of Pokrovsk, within a few days.

The ISW also points out that Russian forces are concentrating their efforts on clashes along a railway track towards Pokrovsk. Experts speculate that the speedy Russian progress in Novohrodivka might be due to a Ukrainian withdrawal from the area.

Colonel Reisner, a military expert, explained to ntv.de that the occupation of Pokrovsk in Donbass is the primary objective of the Russian summer offensive. With forces from 'Centr', 'Yug', and 'Vostok' groups, the Russians aim to break through the second defensive line and, if possible, bring about a breach at Pokrovsk.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy called for an emergency meeting with military officials to discuss the situation. The Russian troops have claimed victory in subjugating entire towns in the Donetsk area, and Ukrainian authorities have ordered further evacuations as a result of deteriorating safety conditions.

Residents in 27 towns across the Kostyantynivka and Selydove regions have been ordered to vacate their homes due to the escalating tensions. Previous evacuations were issued in the Pokrovsk area due to the advance of Russian troops.

The escalating conflicts in eastern Ukraine and the Russian summer offensive aiming to seize Pokrovsk have resulted in mandatory evacuations in nearby towns, causing widespread concern.

Further Reading:

Additional Insights:

While much has been said about the situation in Pokrovsk, here are some additional insights so you can delve deeper into the topic:

1. The Russian advance towards Pokrovsk is driven by its strategic importance as a crucial supply hub with over 60,000 pre-war residents. The city sits at the intersection of several highways and a vital railway station.
2. The Ukrainian forces have been trying to put up a resistance in Pokrovsk but have faced challenges in terms of manpower and ammunition. Consequently, they have been focusing on inflicting losses on the Russian troops and fortifying the city for potential urban combat.
3. Despite the Russian advances, they have suffered significant casualties, with estimates of over 7,000 killed in action in the Pokrovsk direction alone in January 2025.
4. The Russian forces have used new tactics in their Pokrovsk offensive, incorporating small groups and moving through covered areas, which has been effective in advancing south of Zhelanne and capturing key settlements.
5. The evacuation of residents and families from nearby settlements has been a common occurrence due to the intense fighting and the threat of Russian advancements.
6. The Ukrainian forces have emphasized the importance of inflicting as many losses as possible on the Russian troops to buy time and hold their ground rather than conceding territory.