Ukrainians Defy Claims of Russian Control in Pokrovsk

Sat Dec 20 2025 15:40:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Despite Russian declarations of victory, Ukrainian soldiers in Pokrovsk demonstrate their resolve by raising their flag, asserting the fight for the city continues.

In a display of defiance against Russian claims, Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk showcased their ongoing resistance by waving their national flag. While the battleground remains tense and often perilous, Ukrainian troops assert they still hold critical areas of the city. Commanders emphasize the importance of morale, urging support from allies as they confront the increasingly challenging dynamics of war. Despite significant casualties, the resolve of Ukrainian soldiers echoes their determination to maintain sovereignty over their territory.

Pokrovsk has not fallen yet. That is despite President Vladimir Putin's recent claim that Russian forces have taken the city.

There is no doubt Ukraine has been losing ground in this key city in the east. For Russia, Pokrovsk is another stepping stone towards its goal of taking control of all of the Donbas. But Ukraine needs to prove it is still capable of resisting.

At a Ukrainian command post, well behind the front line, orders are relayed by radio in rapid succession. Soldiers watch dozens of live drone feeds, coordinating strikes on Russian positions inside the city.

The commander of the Skala Assault Regiment, Yuri, is keen to prove to us that Ukraine still controls the north of the city—to show that the Kremlin's claim that it has taken Pokrovsk is a lie.

Over the radio, they ask two of their soldiers to break cover from a building to display a Ukrainian flag. They move quickly to avoid being spotted. The drone feed shows the moment they briefly wave their yellow and blue flag before quickly returning to cover.

Yuri tells me: You've now seen it with your own eyes. He insists, I think the whole world should know we will not just give up our territory. If we do not show this, everyone will lose faith and stop helping Ukraine.

The battle for Pokrovsk, once a key logistics hub for Ukraine's military, has been grinding on for nearly 18 months. The city is already in ruins. The question now is how much longer can Ukraine hold on.

Those tracking the Russian advances suggest Ukrainian forces barely have a hold on the city, with Russian forces slowly advancing from the south. Ukraine insists it still holds the north, up to the railway line that bisects the city.

Sasha, a 25-year-old battalion commander, shows a map indicating which areas are held by Ukrainian forces. He also highlights Russian tactics in the area, noting they often use small teams to sneak past defenses, sometimes disguised as civilians.

But he reassures, The enemy who gets into our rear is quickly identified—it takes 15 to 20 minutes between detection and destruction.

Documented evidence of Russian casualties confirms heavy losses on their end, yet Ukraine is concerned it's not enough. A soldier known as Rabbit reflects on the harsh realities of the ongoing conflict, describing the situation as hard, but under control. A constant awareness looms: Ukrainians are fighting for their homeland—surrender is not an option.

Another soldier, Ghost, shares sentiments reflecting exhaustion on both sides but dismisses reports of its capture as Russian propaganda. He acknowledges, however, that both forces are worn thin, highlighting the perils of near-constant drone surveillance in the area, stating they await favorable weather conditions to mitigate their disadvantage.

The urgent need for support from allies remains paramount, as echoed by a soldier with the call sign Godfather. He warns of the broader implications of Ukrainian defeat, urging a united front to confront ongoing threats.

As the struggle continues, the message from the front lines is clear: despite the hardships and ruins around them, the spirit to defend Ukraine runs deep among its soldiers.