Ukraine’s Special Forces Hold Pokrovsk as Russian Siege Tightens Around Strategic Donetsk Gateway

The eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk is coming under intense Russian fire, with its armed forces putting up fierce resistance as Russian forces try to conquer the strategic hub. Nicknamed the "gateway to Donetsk," Pokrovsk has become the focal point of Moscow's campaign to seize full control of the region.

Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi of Ukraine has confirmed that special forces and airborne units are involved in repelling Russian advances. Encirclement, as claimed, is still unsuccessful as Ukrainian troops hold their positions and maintain vital supply routes. A combined counter-offensive simultaneously engages drone operators, assault units, and intelligence teams.

Recent footage indicates that Ukrainian helicopters tried to land troops in contested zones, but Russian forces claim to have thwarted the operation. Kyiv denies these claims, asserting that no blockade has occurred and logistics remain functional.

The battle has grown into street fighting, with Russian troops pushing into residential areas. Pokrovsk was once home to more than 60,000 residents, but it had been largely depopulated due to continuous bombardment. It would be the most significant gain for Russia since Avdiivka and perhaps shift the momentum in the broader conflict.

Meanwhile, there have been reports that a senior general was sacked for pointing out the challenges on the front, an indication that internal tensions within the military leadership in Russia have come to the fore amid growing pressure within Moscow's rank and file.

With both sides suffering heavy casualties, Pokrovsk retains its importance as a symbol of resistance and a critical battlefield in this ongoing war.