Ukraine’s top commander has sent special forces to the embattled eastern city of Pokrovsk to counter a major Russian offensive involving thousands of troops. The battle for this strategic city intensified as overnight Russian drone and missile strikes across Ukraine killed six people, including two boys aged 11 and 14, and left tens of thousands without power, officials reported on Sunday. Russia has not commented on the attacks but has previously denied targeting civilians.
Pokrovsk, known as “the gateway to Donetsk,” is a key supply route for Ukrainian forces and has been under Russian pressure for over a year as Moscow seeks full control of the Donetsk region. Capturing Pokrovsk would mark Russia’s most significant territorial gain since taking Avdiivka in early 2024.
Kyiv reported earlier this week that at least 200 Russian soldiers have breached the city’s defenses, with others advancing on the outskirts in a pincer movement, according to battlefield maps. Once home to 60,000 people, Pokrovsk is now largely deserted and devastated by fighting.
Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated on Saturday that he deployed special operations forces to hold the city, denying Russian claims of encirclement. He described a “comprehensive operation” to push back the enemy, acknowledging pressure from a Russian force “thousands strong” but insisting that Pokrovsk and nearby Myrnohrad are not surrounded. He added that Russian units are trying to infiltrate residential areas and disrupt supply lines.
Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have killed all 11 members of a Ukrainian special forces team, but a Ukrainian official denied this, stating the operation continues. Russian media also released video purportedly showing Ukrainian soldiers surrendering in Pokrovsk, though the footage could not be verified.
Meanwhile, Russia said it repelled a Ukrainian breakout attempt near Hryshyne, northwest of Pokrovsk, which could indicate efforts to cut off Ukrainian supply routes. Kyiv is reinforcing the area with more assault troops, acknowledging a “difficult and dynamic” situation but reporting improved tactical positions in parts of the city.
In a separate incident, regional officials reported that an overnight drone strike caused a fire at an oil facility.A fire broke out at Russia’s Tuapse port, damaging a key oil export terminal and a refinery owned by Rosneft, the state oil company. Unverified social media footage showed flames consuming terminal buildings and a tanker at the Black Sea location. Russian authorities reported on Sunday that two foreign civilian ships were damaged, but there were no injuries and the fire has been put out.
Meanwhile, fighting continues in Pokrovsk as data reveals Russia launched more missiles at Ukraine in October than in any other month since early 2023. According to an analysis of Ukrainian air force data by Agence France-Presse, Russia fired 270 missiles last month, a 46% increase from September. This marks the highest monthly count since Ukraine began regularly releasing these figures at the start of 2023.
For the fourth consecutive winter, these strikes have targeted Ukraine’s vulnerable energy infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity. On Sunday, officials confirmed that the entire Donetsk region and nearly 58,000 residents in Zaporizhzhia were without power.
Kyiv and its allies condemn these attacks as a deliberate tactic to demoralize civilians, an accusation Russia denies.
Sources: Agence France-Presse, Reuters, and Associated Press.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Ukraine sending special forces to Pokrovsk designed to be clear concise and helpful for a general audience
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 Where is Pokrovsk and why is it important
Pokrovsk is a city in eastern Ukraine Its a major transportation and supply hub for the Ukrainian military in the region If it were captured it would make defending other key cities much more difficult for Ukraine
2 What are special forces
Special forces are highly trained military units used for the most difficult and critical missions They are experts in reconnaissance sabotage and direct combat in highrisk situations
3 Why would Ukraine send special forces there
Ukraine is sending its best troops to Pokrovsk to reinforce its defenses disrupt Russian advances and boost the morale of other soldiers defending the city Its a sign of how critical the situation is
4 What does strategically important mean
It means the location is crucial for military success Controlling Pokrovsk gives an army significant advantages like easier movement of troops and supplies making it a key prize for both sides
5 Is this a sign that Ukraine is losing the battle for the city
Not necessarily Its a sign that the battle is intensifying and that Ukraine is committing its most elite units to ensure they do not lose it Its a proactive and defensive move to hold the line
Advanced Strategic Questions
6 What specific roles will the special forces play in Pokrovsks defense
Their roles will likely include
Targeted Strikes Taking out highvalue Russian targets like commanders or equipment
Reconnaissance Gathering intelligence on Russian troop movements and positions
Disruption Sabotaging Russian supply lines and communication behind enemy lines
Training Leadership Advising and bolstering the regular Ukrainian units on the front lines
7 How does this decision fit into Ukraines broader military strategy
This move fits a strategy of active defense Ukraine is using its limited elite resources to prop up the most vulnerable and critical parts of the front line aiming to inflict maximum casualties on the attacking forces and slow their advance until more weapons and ammunition arrive from allies
8 What are the main challenges these special forces will face
They will face severe challenges
