A potentially decisive battle is unfolding in Ukraine’s Donbas region as Russian forces inch closer to encircling Ukrainian troops within the strategic twin cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad.
On Thursday, Russian troops advancing east of Myrnohrad were reported to be just three miles (five kilometers) from the town of Rodyns'ke, situated north of the two cities. Should Rodyns'ke fall, one of the last remaining supply routes into Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad would be severed, placing both under the threat of operational encirclement.
Prior to the intensification of the Russian offensive last year, Pokrovsk functioned as the primary logistics hub for Ukrainian forces in the Donbas. That role has become increasingly compromised—earlier this year, Russian forces cut off the main highway linking Pokrovsk to the city of Kostyantynivka, significantly hampering resupply efforts.
If Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad were to fall, analysts warn it could deal a critical blow to Ukraine’s defensive posture. The capture of the cities would open key highway networks extending north, east, and west—potentially allowing Russian forces to outflank Ukrainian positions not only in the Donbas but also in the Zaporizhzhia region if a western push follows.
Notably, both Ukrainian and Western officials have begun downplaying the importance of Pokrovsk, calling its strategic value "overstated"—a messaging pattern seen in previous Ukrainian withdrawals. Similar rhetoric was employed before the fall of cities like Lysychansk, Avdiivka, Vuhledar, and Velyka Novosilka, where Ukrainian troops remained until late stages of encirclement, leading to hasty retreats under fire and heavy casualties.
The unfolding situation around Pokrovsk mirrors these earlier episodes. Without a timely withdrawal, Ukrainian forces risk becoming trapped and forced into high-risk evacuations through rural terrain—an outcome that has historically resulted in significant personnel and equipment losses.