Ukraine is faced with a difficult decision: hold Pokrovsk or withdraw troops to preserve personnel, The Washington Post writes, analyzing the situation in the east of the country, where intense fighting continues.
The American publication notes that the withdrawal from Pokrovsk, even to consolidate more advantageous positions nearby, could be used by Russia as a propaganda victory. It could also affect the position of the White House, which could view the retreat as a sign of weakness on the part of Ukraine.
At the same time, staying in a city where street fighting has already begun means exposing the troops to the risk of heavy losses — both in personnel and equipment. Ukraine is already numerically inferior to Russia and is experiencing an acute shortage of mobilized military personnel.
As the publication reminds, a similar situation was observed in Bakhmut and Avdiivka, where Ukrainian troops suffered significant losses, holding their positions to the last.
The capture of Pokrovsk would give Russia a strategic advantage — a path deep into the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia regions, which have weaker defenses. According to military expert Andriy Ryzhenko of Sonata, the Kremlin is seeking to seize as much territory in the east and south as possible to increase its influence in possible negotiations and seek the lifting of sanctions.
Analysts emphasize that decisions must be made quickly, as the “window of opportunity” for an organized withdrawal of troops could close at any moment. However, the withdrawal of forces could also provide strategic advantages — shortening the front line, improving logistics, and creating new bridgeheads for winter defense.
The Battle of Pokrovsk becomes not only a military but also a moral test for Ukraine — a choice between territory and the lives of its defenders.
