ISW: Russia tries to close Pokrovsk pocket — Ukraine still fighting inside city center (MAPS)

Russian forces are continuing their effort to encircle the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad pocket in Donetsk Oblast, while Ukrainian troops strike back and resist inside the towns, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Russia is pushing from the north as drone use intensifies, but Ukrainian counterattacks, precision strikes, and frontline resistance remain active across multiple sectors.

Russian troops advance toward full encirclement

Late on 23 November, the ISW reported that Russian forces are attempting to close the pocket from the north. Geolocated footage published on 22 November shows Russian troops advanced in northern Rodynske, north of Pokrovsk. Other footage from the same day shows Ukrainian forces striking Russian units in northern Pokrovsk after what ISW assessed was a Russian infiltration that failed to shift the front line or change territorial control.

A Kremlin-affiliated milblogger claimed on 23 November that Russian troops are conducting clearing operations in Pokrovsk and have established a “kill zone” between Pokrovsk city and Krasnyi Lyman village. This zone is reportedly saturated with tactical and reconnaissance drones. The same source claimed that assault operations are intensifying in Myrnohrad and drone operators have entered the town. 

Ukraine holds ground and counterattacks

Ukrainian forces are still present in and around Pokrovsk. The 7th Rapid Reaction Corps reported on 23 November that fighting continues in central Pokrovsk, with Ukrainian troops preventing Russian forces from building enough strength to push further north. The Corps said Russian troops are suffering heavy losses while trying to move along the Donetska Railway.

Drone strikes hit Russian logistics and rear

Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SSO) reported multiple drone strikes on 23 November against Russian positions and logistics hubs linked to the Pokrovsk offensive.

• Ukrainian drones hit a Russian-held high point at an industrial site in Pokrovsk, where Russian snipers had established fire control. Personnel were reportedly gathering in the area before the strike.
• Another strike targeted elements of the Russian 336th Naval Infantry Brigade of the Baltic Fleet northeast of Pokrovsk, where they were trying to close the northern part of the pocket. 
• The SSO also reported drone strikes on a Russian drone ammunition depot and troop concentration point linked to the 6th Tank Regiment of the 90th Tank Division in occupied Sontsivka, 27 kilometers south of Pokrovsk. 
• Another depot was struck in Dokuchayevsk, 71 kilometers southeast of Pokrovsk, which had been used to store and distribute supplies to Russian units advancing in the area.

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ISW: Pokrovsk likely to fall — but no fast victory

ISW assessed that Russia will likely take Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad eventually, though the timing and impact remain unclear. The Kremlin is expected to present such gains as proof of inevitable victory, but ISW noted it took Russia 21 months to advance just 40 kilometers to the current positions.

The institute emphasized that capturing the rest of Donetsk Oblast, especially the heavily fortified Fortress Belt cities further west, would require years of hard fighting. 

"Russian forces have shown no ability to rapidly envelop, penetrate, or otherwise seize cities the size of those in the Fortress Belt since 2022," ISW concluded.

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