U.S. and international reports indicate Russian troops are close to capturing the ruins of Pokrovsk, while Kyiv insists its defenders, including special forces, still hold contested districts. Military experts warn the battle has become a protracted war of attrition, with Russia bringing heavy artillery, drones and infiltration tactics and Ukraine aiming to impose high costs to prevent a breakthrough toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Some analysts say the city could fall within weeks if current momentum holds.
