By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On November 23rd, Ukrainian forces reported ongoing efforts to clear central Pokrovsk of Russian soldiers, with firefights continuing but the enemy failing to establish a foothold. The Airborne Assault Forces stated they are containing Russian forces and conducting search and destroy operations, while also claiming to have killed 388 Russian soldiers and wounded 87 since the beginning of November. Recent clearing operations by the Skala Separate Assault Battalion have targeted areas like the railway station and Pokrovsk Pedagogical College. The city of Pokrovsk, a critical logistical hub in Donetsk Oblast, has seen intense fighting, and its potential loss could offer Russia logistical advantages.
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Ukrainian army on ‘search and destroy’ missions to clear Russians from central Pokrovsk is a significant and complex situation, unfolding amidst a war that has defied initial expectations. It’s truly something to consider, when you reflect on how quickly narratives can shift and how quickly opinions form. Take, for instance, the predictions surrounding Pokrovsk just a few weeks ago. The general consensus seemed to be that it was on the verge of falling. This sense of impending doom has a familiar ring, echoing earlier predictions of a swift Ukrainian collapse. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian forces that they continue to fight.
Considering the broader context of the conflict puts the current situation into sharper focus. Russia’s initial plan, a “special military operation,” was supposed to be a swift affair, measured in weeks or a month. Instead, we’re approaching the fourth year of this war. Think about the protracted struggle Russia faced to capture Mariupol, a city they had completely surrounded, using their most elite troops and a vast arsenal of weaponry. If they’re struggling this hard against a place like Pokrovsk, what does that mean for their ambitions to seize cities like Kharkiv or Kyiv, which are far larger and more strategically significant?
Furthermore, let’s consider the scale of Russia’s losses. The financial burden alone is staggering. The losses include thousands of tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, and aircraft, to name but a few. The estimated cost of the war for Russia is enormous, potentially reaching between $800 billion and $1.2 trillion by the end of 2025. This financial strain is compounded by sanctions and economic disruptions. Comparatively, the combined costs of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars for the U.S. don’t even come close, despite the fact that the Russian conflict is taking up 15% of its GDP each year.
The nature of urban warfare in Ukraine has evolved. It seems to have shifted, from the intense pitched battles of places like Severodonetsk or Bakhmut, to a different approach. Small infiltration groups are now carrying out reconnaissance in force, relying on drones and careful positioning. It’s likely that a shortage of infantry resources on the Ukrainian side and logistical constraints are contributing to this shift. However, there are elements of doctrinal evolution as well.
The current strategy involves Ukrainian forces carrying out “search and destroy” missions, or as some suggest, “sweep and clear” operations, to dislodge Russian forces from central Pokrovsk. These missions, it’s reported, are carried out tactically, house by house. Elite special forces are leading the charge, utilizing drones, night vision, and other advanced technology. While the outlook for Pokrovsk is uncertain, it is clear that Ukraine is putting up a fierce fight.
The defense of Pokrovsk is proving attritional for both sides, with Russia bearing a significant brunt of the casualties. Despite facing challenges, Ukraine has not been cut off or completely encircled. Considering the intense pressure Russia has brought to bear, Ukraine’s continued resistance demonstrates incredible tenacity. This fighting represents a stabilized operation, with the Ukrainian forces recapturing key positions. The fact that Suvorove has been retaken and Rodynskye still holds, splitting the Russian line, suggests a more complex tactical landscape than some accounts suggest.
Ultimately, the situation in Pokrovsk is part of a larger, evolving conflict. It is easy to find various takes on the events of the war, but it is important to remember how predictions, even those of experts, can sometimes miss the mark. Understanding objective data and analyzing the actions on the ground is key to forming a realistic assessment. The ongoing efforts of the Ukrainian forces, their resilience, and their willingness to continue fighting even when it looked like it was over should not be forgotten.