Pokrovsk, Ukraine – Russian forces have intensified operations in Pokrovsk, a strategic city in eastern Ukraine, employing new infiltration and drone-countering tactics that challenge Ukrainian defenses. Analysts say the battle may represent a critical culmination of a 21-month conflict over the Donetsk region.

Russian Advances in Pokrovsk

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian troops have been geolocated in central, northern, and northeastern Pokrovsk, aiming to secure the city and nearby Myrnohrad as gateways to the remaining free areas of Donetsk.

Russia first focused on Pokrovsk following the capture of Avdiivka, 39 km to the east, nearly two years ago. Ukrainian forces view the city’s defense as a way to deplete Russian manpower and buy time for the “fortress belt” of Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk.

Drone Warfare and Tactical Innovations

Russia has reportedly neutralized Ukrainian drone operators, gaining an advantage in aerial reconnaissance and logistics disruption. Ukrainian units report difficulty deploying first-person-view (FPV) drones, especially under wet weather conditions that limit UAV operations.

“Operational and tactical aircraft, backed by drones, significantly disrupted Ukrainian logistics in Pokrovsk,” said Russia’s Ministry of Defence.

The Peaky Blinders, a Ukrainian drone unit, confirmed Russia’s rapid troop influx, with up to 300 soldiers entering the city daily in small groups. Russian forces are reportedly using fibre-optic drones immune to jamming and deploying “sleeper” drones along ground lines of communication to restrict Ukrainian troop movements and evacuations.

Ukrainian Response

Ukraine’s commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskii framed the battle as a counterattack operation, asserting that no encirclement or blockade of Pokrovsk has occurred. Nevertheless, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s intelligence (GUR), was sent to the front lines to secure supply lines. Ukrainian sources report the deployment of special operators via Blackhawk helicopters, despite Russian claims of thwarting some of these missions.

Strikes on Infrastructure

Russia continues to target Ukrainian electricity and gas infrastructure, launching 1,448 drones and 74 missiles between October 30 and November 5. Ukraine intercepted most drones but less than half of the missiles, resulting in some successful strikes.

In retaliation, Ukraine has conducted operations against Russian refineries and oil export terminals, including foreign civilian tankers at the Tuapse terminal on the Black Sea. Russia confirmed damage to two foreign ships.

Ukraine’s State Security Service (SBU) claims to have destroyed a hypersonic Oreshnik missile on Russian soil and conducted attacks on over 160 oil and energy facilities in Russia this year.

Ongoing International Dimension

Ukraine continues lobbying the US for Tomahawk cruise missiles, with a potential range of 2,500 km, though a final decision rests with former US President Donald Trump. The Pentagon has cleared a portion of the stockpile for Ukraine, pending political approval.

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Key Takeaways

• Russia is advancing in Pokrovsk with new infiltration and drone tactics, including FPV and sleeper drones.
• Ukrainian defenses are strained, relying on counter-drone operations and rapid deployment of special forces.
• Both sides are targeting energy infrastructure, highlighting the conflict’s broader strategic dimension.
• International military aid and missile supply could shift the balance in eastern Ukraine.