Russians likely have completely captured Pokrovsk – ISW

Russian troops have likely completed the capture of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, but this has not opened the way for them to make large-scale advances in the region.

This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Analysts note that the last time they recorded the actions of Ukrainian units in the city was on January 28. After that, they did not observe any confirmed signs of the presence of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Pokrovsk. On this basis, ISW assumes that Russian forces have completed the capture of the city in recent weeks.

The campaign for Pokrovsk lasted almost two years. Russia launched an offensive in February 2024 after capturing Avdiivka and switched to frontal attacks in March. The occupiers took most of the city only in December 2025.

At the same time, ISW emphasizes that even after this, Russian troops have not demonstrated significant operational successes. According to analysts, this indicates that the complete capture of Donetsk Oblast is not inevitable.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine did not confirm the capture of Pokrovsk and did not announce the withdrawal of Ukrainian units from the city.

It was previously reported that the Russian occupation forces have intensified their attempts to capture Pokrovsk and Mirnograd. Ukrainian units are countering these actions and strengthening their defenses.

As a reminder, Russian occupation troops have advanced in the areas of Nikiforivka, Nelipivka, Novyy Shakhovye, and Zatyshko.