Pokrovsk: Between Hope and Reality in the Course of War

In the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, around 10,000 people remain despite the approaching battles. As Russian troops capture large parts of the Donbas and move closer to the strategically significant Pokrovsk, the population defies the ongoing artillery fire. Oleksandr Sopov, a 64-year-old retiree, remains calm and reflects on a life well-lived. The supply situation is critical: electricity, water, and heating have largely failed, and the collapse of a bridge adds to the isolation. Despite everything, people continue their daily lives, offering goods and striving to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Shop owner Oksana Yarova even returned after once fleeing because she has no alternative place of refuge. Near the city, the only Ukrainian coking coal mine takes its course, while the military speaks of a massive troop deployment by Russia. Intelligence analyst Emil Kastehelmi remains cautiously optimistic, however, that a quick surrender of the city is unlikely, as defense facilities still exist. President Volodymyr Zelensky relies on diplomatic solutions, as long as Ukraine receives security guarantees from its Western partners. An unnamed drone pilot of the 21st Special Forces hopes for a military success through steadfast defense and the prevention of future tragedies. While Russian airstrikes further strain Ukraine's already fragile energy supply, the losses, especially in heavy fighting like in Toretsk and Chasiv Yar, provide determination to the Ukrainian side. Memories of the fallen drive medical personnel like Khrystyna Siomova to keep moving forward.