Ukraine's loss of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast could be perceived as a symbolic defeat in Washington. That's why Kyiv is determined to avert it at all costs. The occupation of the city may become the largest defeat since the beginning of the year, as Russia has committed all its forces to capturing the city, BILD reports. 

Ukrainian fighters report a critical situation near Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, where fierce battles are ongoing.

Senior Ukrainian officer: “We’ve lost 80% of the city, fighting for the remainder”

According to sources in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Russian troops have breached the boundaries of Pokrovsk and are advancing toward fully encircling Ukrainian units.

Officially, Ukraine says that the city is “holding." In reality, however, Ukrainian military personnel report a very different situation, as the Russians have thrown 170,000 troops at the Pokrovsk front. 

“We’ve lost 80% of the city and are still fighting for the remaining 20%, but even there, we are losing. The troops in Myrnohrad and further south are in an even worse situation. They are practically surrounded,” a senior officer said.

Another soldier defending Myrnohrad confirmed his statements. 

“Even if we were ordered to withdraw, we probably wouldn’t survive. Most likely, none of us would make it alive to Rodynske. It’s better to stay in position and wait until we are either liberated or captured,” he said.

Bakhmut-like strategy: political and military risks of defending the city

Many compare the situation to Bakhmut, when the Ukrainian president, contrary to the generals’ advice, delayed giving a withdrawal order.

“Yes, the situation is similar. We defend heroically, claim that Russia is in worse condition than it admits, and then we retreat,” a Ukrainian diplomat said.

Meanwhile, the president’s supporters believe that continuing the defense has political motives, in particular because Kyiv fears that the loss of Pokrovsk could be seen as a symbolic defeat in Washington.

Ukraine's Security Service “Alpha” special forces report they have carried out a series of precision strikes on Russian positions in temporarily occupied territory. As a result, logistics hubs, personnel, and equipment have been targeted. 

Silence on the approaches, explosions at night 

“The night strikes were carried out using FP-2 unmanned aerial vehicles with 105-kg warheads,” said the agency. 

The strikes struck key logistics nodes and concentrations of equipment used to reallocate Russian forces.

What does the FP-2 mean for defense?

The new attack drone FP-2, developed by the Ukrainian company Fire Point and unveiled in early September, is designed to engage frontline targets.

Structurally similar to the FP-1, the FP-2’s warhead has been increased. The new vehicle’s flight range is 200 km compared with 1,400 km for its predecessor.

The cost of one FP-2 is approximately $55,000, which is a relatively inexpensive yet technologically powerful option.

Night strikes as a signal to the enemy

The FP-2 demonstration highlights how relatively affordable high-tech solutions are changing logistics and tactics on the battlefield. This is important for arms producers seeking effective defensive means.

Ukraine reminds that it is ready to use available tools to neutralize threats, and that Ukraine’s defensive capabilities continue to evolve.