Russia is trying to seize the city of Pokrovsk as quickly as possible in order to push a narrative that it can allegedly take control of the entire Donbas. President Volodymyr Zelensky said this during a press briefing on November 7 in Ukraine’s national telethon.
According to Zelensky, Pokrovsk is currently the enemy’s “number one target,” carrying not only military importance but significant propaganda value. Moscow hopes to present any advance there as proof of “success on the battlefield” in order to influence Western political decisions, he said.
Zelensky noted that Russia is attempting to restore the narrative that it can quickly overrun eastern Ukraine, in hopes of undermining sanctions and pressuring Western partners to force Kyiv into concessions.
He also highlighted the “colossal losses” Russia is suffering in the Pokrovsk area. Approximately 314 Russian soldiers are currently in the city, while Ukrainian forces have repelled 220 assaults in just the last three days. On November 5, Russian troops attempted to storm the city using armored vehicles but lost that equipment.
The President said Russian casualties in October were the highest since the start of the full-scale invasion. Ukrainian drone units alone confirmed the elimination of at least 25,000 Russian troops over the month.
Zelensky added that Ukrainian forces have made gains near Kupiansk, while the situation near Vovchansk may become more challenging as Russia continues to amass troops there.