Before the full-scale invasion, Pokrovsk was one of the main cities in western Donbas—a railway hub, logistics center, and regional capital of the Pokrovsk district. The city had mines, educational institutions, and a growing small business sector. It was home to 46,000 people. Now, the city lies in the path of Russia’s main offensive.
Amid the ongoing offensive in Donetsk region, Russia has focused its efforts on the Pokrovsk axis. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 39 attacks were recorded in this sector on April 21 alone—more than on any other part of the front line.
To intensify pressure on Pokrovsk, the Russian command redeployed units from the Toretsk area. This allowed Ukrainian forces to regain control of part of downtown Toretsk and its western outskirts. However, the situation in Pokrovsk itself continues to deteriorate.
The city is under daily artillery and drone attacks. The intensity of the shelling makes it one of the most vulnerable points on the Donbas map. A Ukrainian army lieutenant with the call sign "Alex" told UNIAN that Pokrovsk is "basically being torn apart" and risks sharing the fate of Bakhmut.
Pokrovsk remains a crucial logistics hub for Ukraine’s forces in the central part of the region. It hosts drone operators whose actions, according to Forbes military analyst David Axe, have significantly slowed down Russian advances. In his words, the Russian offensive "hit a wall of drones" here.
The special unit "White Angels" collects the bodies of the dead on the streets of Pokrovsk.
Transporting the bodies of deceased civilians has become nearly impossible. They are being buried in residential yards.
The special unit "White Angels" is helping residents evacuate the city under constant shelling.
The remaining residents in Pokrovsk are hiding in basements.
Many people are being forced to evacuate for a second time.
"Evacuation takes place to the sound of explosions and the prayers of local women," — this is how the situation was described by the Main Department of the National Police in Donetsk region, commenting on the work of their specialized unit "White Angels".
"Evacuation from Pokrovsk is difficult, but as long as there are people in the city, the "White Angel" unit will keep returning — to save lives," stated the Main Department of the National Police of Ukraine in Donetsk region, emphasizing that the humanitarian mission continues even under constant shelling.
A courtyard in Pokrovsk completely destroyed by Russian shelling.
Look—This Is What War Looks Like
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More Than 30 Dead
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Photos by Jerome Starkey
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Footage of the Search Operation in Donetsk Region
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So Much for a "Precision Strike on a Concentration of Ukrainian Troops" (Russian' quote)
Cities of Ukraine Before and After Russian Army Attacks
Ukrainian designer Andrey Goopsa has illustrated how Ukrainian cities have changed during the war
Pain and ruins
What Russia did with Ukrainian cities (and continues to do)
Cities of Ukraine that no longer exist
The impact of Russia’s War on frontline towns
