Ukrainian Forces Near Pokrovsk 'Nearly Encircled' as Russian Drones Control Supply Lines
Ukrainian forces are maintaining several positions in northern Pokrovsk that are "nearly isolated" as Russian troops continue to gain control over the skies, supply routes, and elevated terrain surrounding the heavily contested city in Donetsk Oblast, according to a comprehensive battlefield report released by Ukraine's 7th Rapid Response Corps on X on May 18.
The statementpresents a sobering view of the worsening conditions in the northPokrovsk, where Ukrainian forces claim that Russian drone dominance has rendered troop rotations, evacuations, and resupply operations almost unfeasible.
As per the corps, Russian forces "have control over the elevated positions and the city's structures," while utilizing surveillance and electronic warfare equipment that exerts dominance over the skies above northern Pokrovsk and the adjacent Hryshyne.
Pokrovsk has historically been a vital logistics center for Ukrainian forces, situated at the crossroads of important rail and highway networks. In acostly operationwhich has continued for over a year, Russia has deployed a significant number of forces in an attempt to seize the city.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimedOn December 1, it was reported that Russian forces had taken control of the Ukrainian cities of Pokrovsk and Vovchansk, a statement that Ukraine rejected at the time and which has been refuted by ongoing combat activities since.
The 7th Rapid Response Corps reported a roughly 25-kilometer (15-mile) "kill zone" located north of Pokrovsk, which is monitored by Russian drone operators conducting attacks from industrial zones in Pokrovsk and mining facilities near Rodynske. The statement mentioned that Russian forces have a "clear advantage" in drone operations in the region.
"Our supply efforts to these locations are limited and can only be accomplished by air — through drones," the statement noted, mentioning that unmanned ground vehicles are instantly destroyed by Russian first-person-view (FPV) systems.drones.
As per the corps, Ukraine's larger objective is to transform Pokrovsk into a "killing zone" for Russian troops, aiming to force them out of the Hryshyne area, where Russian positions are significantly hindering Ukrainian logistics in the northern part of the city.
Discussing the challenges of getting to the front line, the military stated that armored vehicles are only able to traverse specific parts of the path via anti-drone mesh tunnels, which are frequently attacked by Russian forces.
"If you get any closer, the vehicles would be completely destroyed. The group can be seen as clearly as if it were in the palm of your hand. Reconnaissance drones are flying above, followed by artillery or MLRS fire. You must either move fast or take cover," the corps explained, detailing why infantry units frequently have to get out of their vehicles about 15 kilometers (nine miles) from the front line.
The difficulty is increased by the landscape and ongoing drone monitoring. Even though soldiers might be placed about 15 kilometers away from the frontline, they can't proceed directly and must instead cover approximately 26 kilometers by navigating through wooded areas and gullies to stay hidden from Russian drones.
The trip may last as long as three days, which the organization referred to as "hide-and-seek with death."
The unit stated that Ukrainian infantry advancing into Pokrovsk frequently does so without armored assistance or backup, while being "continuously spotted and attacked by drones that are always present, whose launch locations he is unaware of."
Pokrovsk has continued to be a central focus of Russia's attack in Donetsk Oblast for many months because it serves as a crucial supply center for Ukrainian forces in the area.
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