Russia is nearing the conquest of Pokrovsk after 21 months of attacks, suffering massive losses. The city, although of reduced strategic value, would still represent Moscow's biggest victory in 2023.

The Russian army seems to be on the verge of conquering the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a symbolic victory that President Vladimir Putin has been pursuing for 21 months. Fighting has intensified, and Ukrainian soldiers describe a grim situation, with intense shelling and exchanges of fire. Although Kyiv denies that Ukrainian forces are encircled, the reality is that the Russian advance is rapid and well-organized. Pokrovsk, although it has lost some of its strategic value, remains an important symbol for Russia, considering Putin's public statements. The conquest of this city would allow Russia to focus its efforts on other industrial cities. Ukrainian soldiers fear that, without reinforcements, the loss of the city will be inevitable, and the withdrawal will be dangerous.