UK Intelligence: Russia Pushing to Encircle Pokrovsk, Key Ukrainian Supply Hub

Russian ground forces are intensifying operations to surround Pokrovsk, a vital Ukrainian logistics hub supporting the defense of the Donbas region.

A British Ministry of Defence assessment released on August 2 indicates that Moscow’s troops have made gradual gains northeast of the city over the past week, with the aim of severing supply routes and ground lines of communication.

The advances focus on the H-32 highway area, with Russian units pushing toward Rodynske—Pokrovsk’s main northern supply route—while also gaining ground south of the highway near Myrolyubivka, the UK Defence Ministry reported.

Open-source reports from July 22 indicate Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups attempted to infiltrate southern Pokrovsk, prompting Ukrainian forces to carry out clearance operations. The city has been a major Russian objective since February 2024, when Kremlin forces captured Avdiivka.

British analysts note that the assault has come at a heavy cost to Russia in manpower and equipment. Estonian intelligence adds that Moscow appears to be repeating tactics previously used in Vuhledar and Avdiivka—methods that often result in high attrition.

Heavy Losses and Strategic Context

US President Donald Trump stated on August 1 that Russia has lost more than 112,000 troops in Ukraine since the start of 2025.

While casualty figures cannot be independently verified, Western intelligence assessments suggest that Russian forces are under significant strain as they continue offensive operations in eastern Ukraine, with heavy losses for little gains.