Russia-Ukraine War: The Battle for Pokrovsk Draws Global Attention
The Russia-Ukraine war now appears to be entering its most decisive phase. The key industrial city of Pokrovsk in the Donbas region is currently under continuous Russian attacks, and military analysts believe that the city could soon fall under Russian control. This phase of the war is being seen as a major turning point — not only for the political future of both countries but also for the global balance of power.
Pokrovsk Under Siege
This city in eastern Ukraine has become the epicentre of intense fighting. Russia has almost completely encircled it from all directions. Ukrainian soldiers stationed in the city report that Russian forces are attacking around the clock. Russia is not only using heavy artillery and tanks but also deploying drones and missiles to target Ukrainian positions.
For the Ukrainian army, the biggest challenge now is the shortage of supplies. Russia has blocked nearly all the roads and routes connecting the city, making it extremely difficult for Ukraine to deliver ammunition, food, and medical supplies. Meanwhile, Russia has deployed around 1.7 lakh (170,000) troops, effectively cutting off the city. Reports suggest that only around 1,200 civilians remain in Pokrovsk, many of whom are sheltering in bunkers and basements.
Why Pokrovsk Is the Decisive Front
Pokrovsk’s significance extends far beyond its city limits. It is considered the strategic gateway to the Donbas region. Since 2014, Donbas has remained a central battleground in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and a long-standing stronghold for pro-Russian separatists.
The city is also crucial from a logistical standpoint, as it serves as a major transportation hub connecting Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipro. If Pokrovsk falls to Russia, it would strengthen Moscow’s grip not just over Donbas but across eastern Ukraine. For the Ukrainian forces, it would be a severe strategic setback, potentially severing their key supply lines.
Putin’s Political Victory
Experts believe that while the capture of Pokrovsk might not offer Russia a massive military advantage, it would represent a significant political win for President Vladimir Putin. For months, Putin has sought to demonstrate that Russia has established full control over eastern Ukraine. Victory in this region would also help him convey to the Russian public that the war has not been in vain.
For Ukraine, the loss would carry heavy symbolic weight. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly appealed to Western allies for increased military aid. However, in recent months, support from both the US and Europe has slowed. With Pokrovsk now under threat, questions are being raised about how long Ukraine can sustain its war effort.
Trump and Xi’s Silence Shatters Zelensky’s Hopes
Amid these military struggles, Ukraine has also suffered a political blow. President Zelensky recently urged former US President Donald Trump to persuade Chinese President Xi Jinping to intervene in the war and pressure Moscow to limit its military actions.
However, during last week’s high-level meeting between Trump and Xi, the two leaders did not discuss the Ukraine war at all, focusing instead on trade and technology agreements. Ukraine had hoped diplomatic pressure might help curb Russia’s offensive, but that possibility now seems remote. According to sources in the Ukrainian presidential office, Zelensky is reportedly “disappointed” by this development and views it as a setback on the international front.
The Decisive Battle for Donbas
Russia’s intentions in Donbas have been clear for months. Moscow has been steadily working to seize control of the entire region, aiming to secure supply chains and border control once and for all.
Once Pokrovsk is captured, Russia will effectively dominate the Donetsk region. This would signify military stability for Moscow and send a strong message to Western nations that their economic sanctions and arms support have failed to achieve their intended results.
Ukraine Struggles With Shortage of Weapons
The situation of Ukrainian soldiers continues to deteriorate. They are battling not only a shortage of ammunition but also fatigue and falling morale after months of prolonged fighting. Soldiers report that in several areas, they are forced to rely on outdated weapons and limited resources.
Some of the recent military decisions taken by Ukrainian leadership have also worsened the crisis. Several units are undergoing reorganisation, weakening coordination on the frontlines — a situation that has played to Russia’s advantage, which continues to maintain numerical and logistical superiority.
What Lies Ahead?
The battle for Pokrovsk in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War could determine the direction of the entire conflict in the coming weeks. If Russia succeeds in capturing the city, Ukraine will have to reorganise its defence lines, possibly retreating towards the western part of Donetsk. However, if Ukraine manages to hold on, it would mark an extraordinary military and psychological victory.
Given the current circumstances of the Russia-Ukraine War, an end to this conflict still appears distant. Yet the fate of Pokrovsk will likely decide what the map of Donbas — and perhaps all of Ukraine — will look like in the months ahead.
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