Russian and Ukrainian forces are fighting to control the key Donetsk Oblast city of Pokrovsk, where both sides target each other’s supply lines, as Russian advances slow, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The think tank said Russian troops are trying to regroup and bring reinforcements into the southern part of the town, while Ukrainian defenders still hold ground across Pokrovsk.

Pokrovsk battle slows but fighting continues

ISW wrote on 9 November that Russian and Ukrainian forces continue interdiction campaigns in the Pokrovsk direction while the pace of Russian advances has temporarily decreased. The think tank found no evidence of new Russian gains that day, matching Ukrainian reports that Moscow’s troops have slowed ground activity to extend logistics and bring in reinforcements.

A source reportedly connected to Ukrainian military intelligence said on 8 November that Russian forces are present in most parts of Pokrovsk but cannot encircle it. According to the source, Russian units are conducting infiltration missions through southern Pokrovsk and have moved in mortar crews and additional drone operators to step up attacks on Ukrainian ground lines of communication.

Drones dominate the fight

A Ukrainian servicemember operating in the area told ISW that Russian troops mainly use first-person view and winged drones to strike Ukrainian supply routes. The soldier added that Ukrainian forces are also targeting Russian logistics and that the enemy is “suffering,” though poor weather continues to hinder Ukrainian drone missions against Russian infiltration groups.

The servicemember said Ukrainian troops still maintain positions throughout Pokrovsk, while Russian units hold parts of the southern districts. Some Russian military bloggers claimed that the fighting is not intense enough for the city to be “engulfed in flames,” noting that machine gun fire has become rare.

Russia reinforces for new offensive

Other Russian bloggers asserted that their forces are clearing Dinas Microraion in eastern Pokrovsk, cutting Ukrainian logistics to Rodynske to the north, and fighting in the northern, northeastern, and southern sectors of the city. They also said the main Russian grouping operates about 10 kilometers from Pokrovsk, with both sides’ drones scouting access roads.

" ISW continues to assess that Russian forces will likely increase their tempo of ground activity in Pokrovsk in the coming days as they extend logistics and bring forward personnel into the town," the think tank wrote.

Ukraine’s Defense Forces carried out a unique airborne operation — a successful parachute-free airdrop in the Pokrovsk area, according to the 7th Corps of the Air Assault Forces.

The maneuver became one of the most daring episodes of the war: coordinated actions by paratroopers, air defense, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and drone units enabled a breakthrough through Russian lines and strengthened Ukrainian positions.

“Under Russian threat”: How the Pokrovsk operation unfolded

“It was a complex operation requiring synchronized actions across various branches of the Defense Forces. Under direct Russian threat, we had to ensure safe flight conditions and the successful landing of the personnel,” the 7th Corps reported.

Ukrainian units provided air cover and electronic suppression of the Russian military to secure the mission’s success. As a result, Ukrainian forces improved their tactical positions across several districts of Pokrovsk.

Fire control and Russian troops' destruction

Fighting in Pokrovsk remains intense and dynamic. Ukrainian assault groups are increasing their pace, using diversified movement tactics and disrupting Russian logistics.

“We are keeping the Russians under fire control, and the number of eliminated Russian troops in Pokrovsk continues to grow. Over the past week alone, 85 Russians have been neutralized,” the report said.

1,320 occupiers eliminated in October

According to the 7th Corps of the Air Assault Forces, in October alone, 1,320 Russian troops were killed and another 646 incapacitated within their area of responsibility.

This operation once again demonstrates that Ukrainian paratroopers can operate precisely, rapidly, and fearlessly — even under the most challenging frontline conditions.