Fighting over the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk continues to escalate, with Russian forces inching closer to control. While Moscow claims the city is captured, Kyiv insists its troops still hold northern positions, highlighting the slow, attritional nature of the conflict.

The city, once home to 60,000 people, is now largely in ruins, with only about 1,200 residents remaining. Despite the intensity of the assault, military experts stress that Ukraine’s broader frontline is unlikely to collapse, thanks to fortified positions, drones, and strategic troop deployments.

Russia’s advance comes at a sensitive time for Ukraine, as U.S.-led peace negotiations are underway. President Donald Trump has signaled that Kyiv must “start accepting things,” suggesting that the perception of weakening could influence Washington’s stance on a potential settlement.

Pokrovsk sits on elevated terrain in Donetsk, making it strategically valuable. Analysts predict that capturing the city could allow Russia to launch further attacks toward nearby “fortress cities” like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, using the high ground to extend drone operations.

Ukrainian forces have reported that Russian troops are advancing in small, cautious groups, reflecting Moscow’s difficulties in breaching the heavily defended city. Frontline reinforcements, including special forces, have been redeployed to respond to Russian pressure, though concerns over troop reserves persist.

The conflict remains part of a broader struggle for control in eastern Ukraine. Since 2022, Russia has gained roughly 19.2% of Ukrainian territory, with gradual advances continuing in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Kyiv has simultaneously targeted Russian energy infrastructure to limit fuel supplies and hamper Moscow’s war effort.

While Pokrovsk’s fall would be a symbolic and strategic blow, experts emphasize that Ukraine’s defenses remain resilient, and the war could continue for years unless a decisive diplomatic or military intervention occurs.

Ukraine continues to balance resisting territorial concessions with maintaining vital support from the U.S. and European allies, aiming for a “just” peace while fending off persistent Russian offensives.