Russia says its forces have taken control of Pokrovsk, a strategically vital logistics hub in eastern Ukraine that has been under heavy assault for nearly two years. The announcement marks one of Moscow’s most significant territorial gains in months as fighting escalates across multiple front lines.

According to a statement released via the Kremlin’s Telegram channel on Monday, Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov informed President Vladimir Putin that Russian troops had successfully taken Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, along with the city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region.

A Major Strategic Target in Donetsk

Pokrovsk, once home to roughly 60,000 residents, has long served as a critical transportation and supply hub for Ukrainian forces. Its location makes it central to the movement of ammunition, equipment, and personnel throughout the eastern front. Over recent weeks, the city has endured unrelenting strikes from Russian drones, missiles, artillery and guided bombs, leaving much of its infrastructure destroyed.

Russia has circulated video footage purportedly showing soldiers marching through Pokrovsk and raising a Russian flag, though Ukraine has not yet officially confirmed the city’s fall. Reuters reported the footage’s existence but could not independently verify control of the area.

Russian Leadership Celebrates the Advance

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Gerasimov delivered the news of the “liberation” to President Putin during the Russian leader’s visit to a front-line command centre. Putin later publicly congratulated troops for their advances.

“I want to thank you for the results of your work regarding Krasnoarmeysk,” Putin said, using Russia’s name for Pokrovsk. He also commended the soldiers carrying out what he called “combat missions” in the region.

Ukraine Seeks International Support Amid Losses

As Russia announces new territorial gains, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is holding meetings with US and European leaders to discuss diplomatic strategies for ending the nearly three-year war. Zelenskyy emphasized on Monday that avoiding territorial concessions to Russia remains one of Ukraine’s top priorities.

Granting Russia control over occupied land, Zelenskyy warned, could legitimize the Kremlin’s annexation claims over large portions of Ukraine’s eastern regions, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

Intensifying Conflict and Global Concerns

The battle for Pokrovsk underscores the intensifying nature of the conflict as Russia seeks to consolidate its hold over eastern Ukraine. The city’s fall—if confirmed—would further complicate Ukraine’s defensive operations and disrupt key supply routes.

International observers warn that the latest developments could pressure Kyiv into deeper reliance on Western allies, especially as Ukraine seeks more advanced weapons, air defense systems, and economic support.