Russia said on November 5 that Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk and Kupiansk were under pressure and should take action to save their lives.
According to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukrainian units in these two regions are stuck in "goal lines" and their defense positions are rapidly weakening as Russian forces continue to advance, giving Ukrainian soldiers no chance other than surrender.
Pokrovsk, also known as Krasnoarmeysk from Russia, is considered the "gateway to Donetsk". Russia has been trying to control Pokrovsk since 2024, aiming to occupy the entire Donbass region. battlefield data shows that Russia is now just a few kilometers away from completing the city's siege. In Kupiansk, Russia said it had taken control of much of the area and was advancing into the main road leading to the city.
Russia's tactics in the two battlefields have changed compared to previous campaigns. Instead of direct attacks, Russian forces used a blockade strategy to gradually narrow the Besiege. Small, flexible units combined with drones have disrupted Ukraine's post-line operations, disrupting supply sources. A gray zone has formed, where neither side has complete control, making it difficult for Ukraine to reinforce its defense.
The Russian Defense Ministry rejected a previous statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said Ukraine was looking to clean up a group of Russian soldiers in Kupiansk with about 60 men. Russia insists that Ukrainian forces are not only being obstructed but are also facing the risk of a complete cut off from the city.
Nearly four years since the biggest conflict in Europe since the Second World War broke out, Russia continues to pursue the goal of controlling the entire Donbass, while advancing in the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Russia says it currently controls more than 19% of Ukraine's territory, equivalent to about 116,000 square kilometers. According to a map published by pro-Ukrainian sources, Russia has taken control of more than 3,400 square kilometres of territory in this year alone.
