Russia deploys some 170,000 troops near Pokrovsk as Ukraine doubles down on energy strikes

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Russia has deployed nearly 170,000 troops in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, launching a fierce attempt to capture Pokrovsk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Friday.

Zelenskyy described the situation as “extremely difficult,” though he rejected Russian claims that Pokrovsk is fully surrounded after months of brutal fighting.

“There are Russians in Pokrovsk,” he said during a Kyiv briefing. “They are being gradually destroyed. We must preserve our personnel.”

Intense Battle for Pokrovsk

For over a year, Pokrovsk has been at the heart of intense combat. Russian troops have managed to infiltrate parts of the city, forcing Ukrainian defenders into relentless street battles.

Ukraine has previously withdrawn from besieged cities to prevent heavy troop losses. Now, facing Russia’s larger army, Ukrainian forces continue to resist despite severe manpower shortages.

Analysts see the Pokrovsk offensive as a crucial step for Moscow. A victory there could allow President Vladimir Putin to claim a symbolic battlefield win as he faces growing international pressure to end the war.

Putin’s Strategy and Message to the West

Putin aims to convince the United States that Ukraine cannot hold against Russian military superiority. Despite diplomatic calls for peace, the Kremlin leader insists on pursuing what he calls Russia’s “legitimate war aims.”

He has also highlighted the country’s advancing nuclear capabilities, framing them as proof of Russia’s dominance and defiance against Western pressure.

Ukraine Hits Back with Strikes on Russian Oil Facilities

While defending its cities, Ukraine has taken the fight inside Russia. The country’s Security Service chief, Vasyl Maliuk, revealed that Ukraine has launched more than 160 long-range strikes on Russian oil extraction and refining facilities this year alone.

In September and October, Ukraine conducted 20 such operations, causing a reported 20% drop in domestic oil production in Russia. Maliuk added that 37% of the country’s refining capacity had been temporarily halted—claims that remain unverified.

“We are not resting on our achievements,” Maliuk said. “We are using new equipment, combat units, and advanced communication methods.”

Ukrainian Strikes Target Russian Defense Systems

Ukraine’s attacks haven’t been limited to energy facilities. According to Maliuk, nearly half of Russia’s Pantsir air defense systems have been destroyed this year. These systems were critical in intercepting Ukrainian long-range drones.

He also revealed that Ukrainian forces destroyed one of Russia’s newest Oreshnik hypersonic missiles, a weapon Putin had once called “invincible.” The missile, capable of flying ten times faster than sound, was reportedly hit on the ground at the Kapustin Yar military range, about 500 kilometers from Ukraine’s border.

Rising Civilian Toll as Winter Nears

Meanwhile, Russian drone attacks continue to devastate Ukrainian cities. Overnight strikes hit apartment blocks in Sumy, injuring 11 people, including four children. Energy facilities in Odesa were also damaged.

According to the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, civilian casualties have risen 30% compared to last year. He warned that Russian attacks on power and heating infrastructure could create a humanitarian crisis as a colder winter approaches.

“Destroying energy systems as winter begins is a form of terror,” Schmale said during a Geneva briefing.

Funding Crisis Deepens for Humanitarian Aid

The U.N. humanitarian operation in Ukraine is also struggling. Funding has plunged from over $4 billion in 2022 to just $1.1 billion this year, limiting aid efforts for millions of affected civilians.

Schmale described the situation as an “increasingly protracted war,” with little progress toward peace.

“There were moments of cautious optimism,” he said. “But right now, it doesn’t feel like it’s ending any time soon.”