The Situation in Pokrovsk
According to DeepState analyst Roman Pohorilyi, Russian forces controlled approximately 95% of the city of Pokrovsk as of February 12. Despite this, pockets of Ukrainian resistance remain in the northwest towards the village of Hryshyne and in the north towards Rodynske. The Pokrovsk sector remains the most active front line, accounting for 22 of the 124 combat clashes reported across Ukraine on February 12. During periods of intense fighting, Russian attacks in this area can reach up to 90 per day.
Analysis of the Front
Roman Pohorilyi notes that the village of Hryshyne has already become a combat zone. He describes the phenomenon of 'grey zones,' areas where the enemy has not been able to fully consolidate control over the last remaining sections.
'It is a matter of time,' the analyst remarks.He also emphasizes that there is currently no stable front line, allowing Russian forces to potentially establish positions behind Ukrainian units.
Pohorilyi suggests that command decisions can sometimes amount to 'selling' control of entire villages by pointlessly keeping troops in place. He states that many soldiers and positions remain in fortified 'burrows' simply to survive and await their rotation out.
'Enemy infantry are being destroyed by drones,' he adds.
The analyst believes Russia's next priority may be the city of Konstantynivka. He notes that they 'require an area to control' in order to amass forces near Pokrovsk for future operations. Pohorilyi is certain a division of military groupings will occur, as a massive amount of resources currently concentrated there will be redirected to other sectors.
He stresses that 'attention on Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad' remains critically important, as Russian forces are prepared to commit all available resources to capture these cities. Russian military goals reportedly aim for the complete capture of Donetsk Oblast by 2026, indicating a planned escalation of the conflict. Increased activity on the Dobropillia front section also points to a likely expansion of combat operations in the region.
The situation in Pokrovsk and surrounding areas remains critical, as control of these territories holds strategic value for both sides. Given the intensity of fighting and Russia's stated objectives, Ukrainian forces face the challenge of adapting their defensive strategies against mounting pressure. This underscores the ongoing need for international support and the readiness of Ukrainian troops to defend key positions. The outcome in this region could significantly influence the broader trajectory of the war in Ukraine. The city of Pokrovsk, known as Krasnoarmiisk until 2016, has been a focal point of Russia's offensive in the Donbas for months.