Winter Battles in Donbas: Russia Pushes Hard on Pokrovsk and Kupyansk

The war in eastern Ukraine has entered another brutal chapter this winter. Russian forces are intensifying pressure on Ukrainian defenses around Pokrovsk and Kupyansk, two cities that now represent critical anchors in Ukraine’s hold on the Donbas region. According to Meduza, the fighting is not slowing down, and both sides are bracing for what could be a decisive stretch in the months ahead.

Pokrovsk: Holding the Line

Pokrovsk, located in Donetsk Oblast, is a key defensive point for Ukraine. Think of it as the gateway to larger cities like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. If Russian forces capture Pokrovsk, it could destabilize Ukraine’s defensive lines and widen Moscow’s offensive.

Recent reports indicate that Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from positions south of nearby towns like Kostiantynivka and Myrnohrad. While it may sound like a setback, this is a strategic consolidation. Kyiv is regrouping to strengthen the most vulnerable points of its defense.

Meanwhile, Russian troops are advancing from multiple directions — from the Kleban-Bykske Reservoir and across the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas canal. They’ve established bridgeheads threatening to encircle Ukrainian forces. Urban clashes have intensified in neighborhoods around Pokrovsk, especially in villages like Rodynske and Hryshyne, where control has shifted multiple times in recent weeks.

Kupyansk: A Fragmented Battlefield

To the northeast, Kupyansk in Kharkiv Oblast presents a different kind of challenge. Ukrainian forces have successfully split a Russian bridgehead on the western bank of the Oskil River, limiting Moscow’s ability to reinforce isolated units. The city center is mostly under Ukrainian control, but the surrounding areas remain contested.

Russian forces are pushing from areas like Radkivka toward Kupyansk’s western suburbs, aiming to reconnect with isolated units and potentially encircle segments of Ukrainian defenders. Control over river crossings, particularly at Kupyansk-Vuzlovyi, remains a high-stakes struggle.

Winter Warfare and Shifting Strategies

Winter is notoriously tough on military operations. Cold weather and snow slow down large movements, but both sides are still pushing. Russian forces are attempting incremental gains with combined arms operations, while Ukraine reallocates its limited troops to cover the most critical sectors.

Ukrainian units like the 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov” have been repositioned from encircled positions to areas where they can be more effective. These tactical withdrawals reflect a broader reality: Ukraine is defending a long front with finite resources, and tough decisions are being made to maximize impact.

On the Russian side, analysts note that Moscow is focusing on grinding down Ukrainian defenses ahead of a potential spring offensive. They hold numerical advantages in certain sectors, including around Siversk and Lyman, where control of the Siverskyi Donets River could determine the outcome of several key battles.

The Human Cost

The war isn’t just about territory — it’s about people. Cities like Pokrovsk have endured heavy shelling, and industrial infrastructure, as well as residential areas, have been heavily damaged. Local defenders describe the situation as dire, with shortages of equipment and supplies making the defense even harder.

Urban fighting around Pokrovsk and Kupyansk has been fierce. Both sides are conducting raids and counterattacks, turning the cities into fragmented battlefields where every street and building counts. These clashes highlight how the Donbas conflict has shifted from open-field battles to intense urban and semi-urban warfare.

What’s Next?

Meduza reports that January is a preparatory period for both armies. The spring offensive season is approaching, and the next few months could bring renewed large-scale operations. Holding strongholds like Pokrovsk and Kupyansk will be critical for Ukraine, not just for tactical reasons but also for morale.

For Russia, success in these areas could open a path toward deeper penetration into Donetsk and beyond. But the costs are high, and Ukraine continues to adapt despite intense pressure. Both military strategy and political will remain in flux, making this winter a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.

Final Thoughts

The battles in Pokrovsk and Kupyansk are more than just lines on a map. They represent the resilience of Ukraine’s defenses and the persistence of Russian offensives. As the war continues, these cities may become even more crucial in determining the outcome in the Donbas region. For now, the conflict grinds on, street by street, village by village, as both sides brace for the battles ahead.