Russian Army Takes Control of Pokrovsk (Map)
The Russian army has finally captured the city of Pokrovsk after weeks of fighting. This marks the largest city seized by Russia in Donetsk Oblast since Bakhmut (Artemovsk).
Pokrovsk, formerly known by its Russian name Krasnoarmiisk until 2016, is the administrative center of Pokrovsk Raion. The European route E50, a major continental highway, runs through the city, making it both a key hub of Ukraine’s coal industry and an important transport junction in the Donbas. Before 2020, Pokrovsk had a population of about 60,127, but due to the war, by late July 2025 the number had fallen to fewer than 1,500 residents.
Alongside Konstantinovka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk, Pokrovsk served as one of the main logistical and supply centers for Ukraine’s military in Donetsk Oblast.
To capture Pokrovsk, Russian forces effectively cut off Ukrainian supply lines, leading to a much quicker fall compared to other cities that had required months of heavy fighting. In the same sector, the town of Mirnograd is now encircled by Russian troops. Following the fall of Pokrovsk, only Konstantinovka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk (marked in turquoise circles) remain under Ukrainian control in Donetsk. Once these are taken, Ukraine’s position in the Donbas will effectively collapse.
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