Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Despite being outnumbered eight to one, Ukrainian forces continue to hold their positions, inflicting heavy losses on the invaders.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at a meeting with journalists as reported by Suspilne, said that Russia has been trying to seize Pokrovsk for over a year but has failed to meet its objectives.
“They have sent such forces to Pokrovsk that Ukraine cannot send one to eight people in one direction. Imagine how many ‘Russian’ forces there are. But at the same time, they do not have the planned result,” Zelenskyy said
According to the president, Russia’s original plan to occupy Pokrovsk was intended to be a symbolic and strategic victory.
Yet, the balance on the front line has not changed in Moscow’s favor despite the numerical superiority.
Political leverage sought
Zelenskyy argued that the Kremlin’s goal in Pokrovsk goes beyond territorial control — it is about negotiating power.
He said Russia needs to capture the city to claim leverage in talks with the United States.
He added that Moscow’s narrative aims to convince international audiences that Ukraine should concede territory in the east, something Kyiv rejects entirely.
Resistance and resolve
The Ukrainian leader stressed that the ongoing defense of Pokrovsk is evidence that international aid to Ukraine continues to make a difference.
He pointed to the fact that Ukraine still holds Prokrovsk, and that Russia is repeatedly postponing campaign plans – all evidence of how the Russian Miltary Command is lying about the reality on the battlefield.
Zelenskyy noted that Russian forces have been taking heavy casualties in both the Pokrovsk and Dobropillia directions, where Ukrainian operations have blunted multiple offensives.
Heavy losses for Russia
According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian forces captured 2,200 Russian soldiers in eastern Ukraine during the first half of 2025.
He added that defensive positions near Pokrovsk are being reinforced, with drones tracking Russian movements.
He also confirmed reports that about 200 Russian troops have infiltrated the city, as they have been spotted by Ukrainian drones.
He emphazised, however, that the Russian forces are eliminated as soon, as they are found.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation
