Ukrainian Soldiers Stand Strong in Pokrovsk Amidst Ongoing Battle

Sun Dec 21 2025 15:49:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Despite reports of territorial losses, Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk reassure the world of their tenacity by waving their national flag, showing that the city has not yet fallen to Russian control.

Ukrainians in the city of Pokrovsk affirm their resolve amidst ongoing battles, countering Russian claims of victory. Local commanders display the national flag to prove control over the area while facing heavy Russian offensives. The situation remains critical as Ukrainian forces adapt to enemy tactics, determined not to relinquish their territory during these challenging times.

Pokrovsk has not fallen yet. That is despite President Vladimir Putin's recent claim that Russian forces have taken the city.

There is no doubt Ukraine has been losing ground in this key city in the east. For Russia, Pokrovsk is another stepping stone towards its goal of taking control of all of the Donbas. But Ukraine needs to prove it is still capable of resisting.

At a Ukrainian command post, well behind the front line, orders are relayed by radio in rapid and quick succession. Soldiers watch dozens of live drone feeds. They are coordinating strikes on Russian positions inside the city.

The commander of the Skala Assault Regiment, Yuri, is keen to prove that Ukraine still controls the north of the city - to show that the Kremlin's claim that it has taken Pokrovsk is a lie.

Over the radio, they ask two of their soldiers to break cover from a building to display a Ukrainian flag. They move quickly to avoid being spotted. The drone feed shows the moment they briefly wave their yellow and blue flag, before quickly returning to cover.

Yuri tells me, You've now seen it with your own eyes. I think the whole world should know we will not just give up our territory. If we do not show this, everyone will lose faith and stop helping Ukraine.

The battle for Pokrovsk has been ongoing for nearly 18 months. The city is already in ruins, and the question now is how much longer can Ukraine hold on.

Those tracking the Russian advances suggest Ukrainian forces barely have a hold on the city. Russian forces have slowly been advancing from the south. But Ukraine says it still holds the north, up to the railway line that bisects the city.

Sasha, a 25-year-old battalion commander, shows me a map. On top he has placed green plastic soldiers to represent where Ukrainian troops are still defending, while brown plastic soldiers represent their enemy's advances. The Russians have been employing small teams to sneak past Ukrainian positions.

A Ukrainian soldier named Rabbit shows me documents from fallen Russian troops, and when asked if many Russians have been killed, he simply says, Not enough. He sees the situation as hard but manageable, emphasizing how challenging the fight in Pokrovsk has been.

In Pokrovsk, Ukrainian soldiers continue to focus on their fight, avoiding political discussions. A Latvian volunteer, the regiment's deputy commander, underscores the seriousness of the situation, stating that if Ukraine loses, the war will likely spread to other nations, including their own.

The message from the troops indicates that while the situation in Pokrovsk is tense and exhausting, they remain resolute. Holding the ground is costly, but signs of determination prevail among the soldiers as they continue to defend their home.