- Russian troops push forward in Pokrovsk, a crucial Ukrainian supply hub.
- Ukrainian forces face severe infantry shortages and disrupted supply lines.
- The U.S. has frozen foreign aid to Ukraine, raising security concerns.
- Heavy fog hinders Ukraine’s drone surveillance, aiding Russian advances.
- Poorly trained new recruits put extra pressure on Ukrainian defense lines.
POKROVSK, Ukraine, February 3, 2025 – Russian forces have stepped up their assault on Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in eastern Ukraine. The fight for control has become more intense, with Ukrainian troops struggling to hold their ground. The city sits at a crucial highway junction and has a major railway station, making it a prime strategic target in the conflict.
As the war nears its third year, Russia is pushing to seize more territory. Meanwhile, the U.S. administration is urging negotiations and has frozen foreign aid to Ukraine. President Zelensky confirmed that military aid hasn’t completely stopped. However, the financial suspension worries Ukrainian officials, who fear it could weaken their defenses at a crucial moment.
Ukrainian Troops Face Critical Shortages
Ukrainian soldiers in Pokrovsk report severe shortages of infantry, forcing battle-hardened units to cover larger areas of the front. The lack of manpower, combined with disrupted supply routes, has made it increasingly difficult to hold defensive positions.
In recent weeks, Russian forces have changed their tactics, attacking Ukrainian flanks instead of launching direct assaults. By using a pincer movement, they are attempting to encircle the city. With Russian troops controlling higher ground, Ukrainian supply routes are now within enemy range.
“Heavy fog in recent days prevented us from using surveillance drones effectively,” said a Ukrainian commander speaking anonymously to The Associated Press. “Because of this, Russian forces have managed to consolidate their positions and gain more ground.”
Strategic Settlement of Velyka Novosilka Lost
Kyiv suffered a major setback last week with the loss of Velyka Novosilka, a key settlement in the Donetsk region. This town, located just 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the neighboring Dnipropetrovsk region, had been one of Ukraine’s most significant gains before Russian forces overwhelmed its defenses.
Ukrainian troops reported that Russian forces had amassed a large number of infantry in the area. When thick fog set in, Ukrainian drones struggled to conduct surveillance. This allowed Russian troops to advance undetected and launch a massive attack involving up to 10 armored vehicle columns.
Military experts have criticized Ukraine’s decision not to order a full withdrawal, as scattered Ukrainian units remain in parts of the town’s southern sector.
Logistics and Supply Lines Under Threat
Russia’s recent gains in Pokrovsk have put Ukraine’s supply routes under severe strain. Key highways, such as the Pokrovsk-Pavlohrad-Dnipro road, are now within range of Russian drones, making the transportation of supplies and wounded soldiers increasingly difficult.
“The road is only operating at 10% of its former capacity,” said a Ukrainian commander positioned near Pokrovsk.
With paved highways under fire, Ukrainian forces must now use open fields for transporting essential supplies. This exposes them to Russian drone attacks, further complicating military operations.
“In good weather, evacuating wounded soldiers took hours. Now it takes days,” said a paramedic known as Marik, stationed near Pokrovsk.
New Recruits Face Training Deficiencies
Ukrainian forces are also struggling with poorly trained infantry units. Many of the newly formed brigades are failing to hold defensive positions, increasing pressure on experienced troops who must step in to prevent front-line collapses.
A commander from the Da Vinci Wolves battalion, known by the call sign Afer, expressed frustration over the situation.
“New recruits extend the front line instead of holding their positions,” he said. “They don’t monitor their areas, and we end up doing most of their work.”
This lack of preparedness forces battle-hardened brigades to stretch their resources over wider areas. “A battalion responsible for 2 kilometers ends up covering 8 to 9 kilometers,” Afer explained. “We simply don’t have enough resources to sustain this.”
Additionally, Ukrainian forces face a severe drone shortage, which further limits their ability to counter Russian advances. “We have only half of the drones we need,” Afer said.
Pokrovsk on the Brink
The battle for Pokrovsk has reached a critical stage. Ukrainian forces face mounting challenges, including infantry shortages, disrupted supply lines, and the suspension of U.S. financial aid. With Russian troops gaining ground and Ukrainian defenses stretched thin, the coming weeks could determine the fate of this strategically vital city.
As Ukraine fights to stabilize its defensive lines, international support remains a key factor in shaping the next phase of the conflict. The loss of Pokrovsk would not only threaten Ukraine’s supply routes but also give Russia a significant advantage in the eastern front.