What's happened
Russian forces continue to push towards Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, employing encirclement tactics amid ongoing Ukrainian resistance. Moscow claims control of parts of the city, while Kyiv reports fighting and counterattacks. The situation remains fluid as peace negotiations and battlefield developments unfold.
What's behind the headline?
Russia's shift from frontal assaults to encirclement tactics indicates a strategic effort to reduce casualties and force Ukrainian withdrawals. The claims of control by Moscow contrast with Ukrainian reports of resistance, highlighting the fog of war. The capture of Pokrovsk would give Russia a significant operational advantage, enabling advances toward Kramatorsk and Slovyansk. However, the Ukrainian military's continued resistance suggests that Moscow's gains are not yet decisive. The broader geopolitical context, including US and Western diplomatic efforts, underscores the importance of this battlefield for future negotiations. The situation is likely to remain fluid, with rapid changes possible if Russian encirclement succeeds or Ukrainian counterattacks intensify.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Russian forces claim control of parts of Pokrovsk, with Moscow emphasizing encirclement and territorial gains, while Kyiv denies full control and reports ongoing resistance. The article highlights conflicting battlefield claims and the strategic importance of the city. Reuters notes that verification is difficult, with both sides presenting contrasting maps and reports, emphasizing the tactical shift in Russian operations. The Japan Times details Russia's use of pincer movements since mid-2024, aiming to encircle Pokrovsk gradually. These sources collectively illustrate the complex and contested nature of the battlefield, with Moscow seeking a decisive territorial breakthrough amid ongoing Ukrainian resistance and international diplomatic efforts.
How we got here
Russia has been attempting to take full control of Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) since mid-2024, using pincer movements to encircle the city, which is a key logistics hub in the Donbas region. Ukraine has resisted, holding parts of the city and attacking Russian forces, as Moscow aims to seize the entire Donbas and push towards major Ukrainian-controlled cities. The broader context involves ongoing military pressure, international diplomacy, and shifting battlefield tactics.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why is Russia advancing around Pokrovsk?
Russia's recent military movements around Pokrovsk have raised many questions about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As Russian forces employ pincer tactics to encircle this strategic city, concerns grow about the potential escalation of hostilities. In this page, we explore why Russia is focusing on Pokrovsk, how Ukraine is responding, and what this means for the broader conflict and international diplomacy.
-
What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the latest global headlines shaping our world today. From humanitarian crises to political developments and international conflicts, these stories are crucial to understanding current events. Curious about how these events connect or what they mean for the future? Keep reading for clear, concise answers to your most pressing questions.
-
What’s Happening with Russia, Ukraine, and US-Venezuela Tensions?
Recent developments in Eastern Europe and Latin America have raised many questions about ongoing conflicts and military movements. From Russia’s encirclement of Ukrainian cities to US warnings over Venezuela’s airspace, these events are shaping global stability. Here, we explore the key questions and provide clear answers to help you understand the current situation and what it might mean for the future.
-
What is happening in eastern Ukraine with Russian forces?
Russian forces have been advancing around the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, employing strategic encirclement tactics since mid-2024. While Moscow claims to have encircled much of the city, Ukrainian officials deny full control and continue to resist. This ongoing conflict raises questions about the current battlefield situation, the strategic importance of Pokrovsk, and what this means for the future of Ukraine's fight for sovereignty. Below, we explore the key details and answer common questions about this developing crisis.
More on these topics
-
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
-
Pokrovsk is a city in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. Administratively, it is incorporated as a city of oblast significance. It serves as the administrative center of the Pokrovsk Raion, though it is not part of the raion. Its population is approximately 61,161.
-
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
-
Kyiv, also Kiev, is the capital and most populous city of Ukraine. Located in the north-central part of the country, it straddles both sides of the Dnieper River. As of 1 January 2022, its population was 2,952,301, making Kyiv the seventh-most populous...
-
Dmitry Sergeyevich Peskov is a Russian diplomat, translator and Turkologist. Since 2012, Peskov has been the Press Secretary for the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.
-
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, commonly referred to as the Russian Armed Forces, are the military of Russia. They are organized into three service branches—the Ground Forces, Navy, and Aerospace Forces—three independent combat arms (the S