On Pokrovsk's Front Lines As Russian Forces Close In On 'Fortress City'
A major battle is looming for the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, home to vital industrial and transport infrastructure in the Donetsk region.
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Artem, a 40-year-old Ukrainian commander, shouts a warning before his artillery team fires toward Russian positions near Pokrovsk in early October.
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The center of Pokrovsk photographed in 2012.
Through the past century, and under different names, the eastern Ukrainian city endured fighting in Russia’s Civil War, then German occupation in World War II. Now Pokrovsk looks set to be overtaken by war yet again.
Through the past century, and under different names, the eastern Ukrainian city endured fighting in Russia’s Civil War, then German occupation in World War II. Now Pokrovsk looks set to be overtaken by war yet again.
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A man rides past the entrance sign on the outskirts of Pokrovsk in September 2024.
Since July, Russian forces have been pushing directly toward Pokrovsk, which was once home to some 60,000 people and is seen as a gateway to the Donetsk region.
Since July, Russian forces have been pushing directly toward Pokrovsk, which was once home to some 60,000 people and is seen as a gateway to the Donetsk region.
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Artem readies a shotgun as a drone is heard overhead in early October.
As of October 8, Russian forces are around 6 kilometers from Pokrovsk and appear to be focusing their entire war efforts in Donetsk on capturing the city.
As of October 8, Russian forces are around 6 kilometers from Pokrovsk and appear to be focusing their entire war efforts in Donetsk on capturing the city.
