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Ukraine resists Russian claims of Pokrovsk takeover
Ukrainian forces continue to hold parts of Pokrovsk despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's assertion that the city has fallen, as fighting intensifies in the eastern Donbas region.
Frontline reality contradicts Kremlin narrative
At a Ukrainian command post behind the front lines, soldiers monitor drone feeds and coordinate strikes on Russian positions within Pokrovsk. Commander Yuri of the Skala Assault Regiment demonstrated Ukrainian control by ordering troops to briefly display a national flag in the city's northern sector, countering Moscow's claims of victory.
"The whole world should know we will not surrender our land," Yuri stated. "If we don't show this, support for Ukraine will fade."
Battle for strategic hub enters 18th month
Pokrovsk, once a critical logistics center for Ukrainian operations, has been reduced to ruins after nearly a year and a half of combat. Russian forces have advanced from the south, but Ukrainian troops maintain control north of the city's railway line, according to military maps reviewed by The Meta Times.
Battalion commander Sasha, 25, illustrated the fluid frontline using plastic markers, noting Russian tactics of infiltrating small teams-sometimes disguised as civilians-to bypass Ukrainian defenses. "They're quickly detected and eliminated," he said, though the process takes 15-20 minutes.
Heavy losses on both sides as drones dominate warfare
Ukrainian soldiers report relentless drone surveillance, with Russian forces deploying thermal-imaging models to operate around the clock. A fighter with the call sign "Khotabych" described the constant threat: "Drones are everywhere, day and night. We pray for fog-anything to ground them."
Casualties are mounting. A soldier nicknamed "Rabbit" displayed documents recovered from dead Russian troops, calling the losses "insufficient." He dismissed suggestions of territorial concessions for peace, stating, "Too much blood has been spilled. If we retreat, Russia will demand more."
Troops reject negotiations, warn of broader threat
Most Ukrainian soldiers avoided political discussions, focusing on combat. However, a Latvian volunteer and Skala Regiment deputy commander, "Godfather," issued a stark warning: "If Ukraine falls, Latvia is next."
He criticized Western hesitation, singling out U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's alignment with Putin as damaging to American credibility. Of Europe, he said, "Too much talk, not enough action."
Uncertain future for embattled city
While Ukrainian forces insist the situation remains "tense but manageable," analysts tracking Russian advances suggest their grip on Pokrovsk is tenuous. With no signs of surrender, the battle's outcome hinges on sustained Western support and Ukraine's ability to counter superior Russian manpower.
