Amid escalating fighting in eastern Ukraine, reports have emerged that Ukrainian forces encircled in the city of Pokrovsk have started surrendering to Russian troops.
The development signals a significant shift in control within the Donetsk region, where clashes have intensified over the past weeks.
Captured Soldiers Speak Out
The Russian Ministry of Defense shared statements from Ukrainian prisoners, as reported by TASS.
One captured soldier, Vyacheslav Krevenko, explained that Ukrainian forces had attempted to organize a defense in Pokrovsk but ultimately had no choice but to surrender.
He and his comrade were among those taken into custody.
Pokrovsk, also historically known as Krasnoarmeysk, is a key logistical hub for Ukrainian operations in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR).
The city lies about 66 kilometers northwest of Donetsk, near the administrative border with Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region.
Panic and Pressure Among Ukrainian Troops
Sources indicate that morale among Ukrainian soldiers in Pokrovsk is deteriorating.
According to the Telegram channel Operation Z: War Correspondents of Russian Spring, troops are experiencing panic due to relentless shelling by Russian forces.
Reports suggest Russian drones strike Ukrainian positions continuously, leaving little opportunity for rest or regrouping.
“Russian FPV drones strike the enemy one after another, targeting those trying to hide in urban areas,” the publication noted, emphasizing the constant pressure on Ukrainian defenders.
Russian Encirclement and Military Gains
Analysts had previously warned that Krasnoarmeysk could fall to Russian forces by November 2025.
On October 26, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valeriy Gerasimov announced that the “Center” group had completed the encirclement of Ukrainian troops near Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov.
The trapped forces included 31 battalions, among them units stationed near the Pokrovsk railway station.
Russian reports confirm that clearing operations in the area are ongoing.
In a separate operation, Russian forces intercepted a helicopter landing by a Ukrainian GUR special operations group in the Pokrovsk area, resulting in the deaths of all 11 personnel onboard.
Ukrainian Command Responds
From the Ukrainian side, Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky acknowledged the challenging situation.
He noted that Russian forces have significantly increased their activity around the Pokrovsk-Mirnograd agglomeration and are concentrating infantry in urban zones.
Despite the pressure, Syrsky insists that Ukrainian forces are not fully encircled and continue to resist.