Ghost town: The frontline city of Pokrovsk has nearly emptied out, with not a single person in sight on its deserted streets.

The frontline city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region has turned into a ghost town. Due to the dangerous approach of military actions towards Pokrovsk – the Russians have been attempting to seize the city since spring 2024 – nearly all of the civilian population has left. There is not a single person on the streets.

A video of autumn Pokrovsk has surfaced online. The city appears very peaceful, and it’s hard to believe that Russian occupiers are just a few kilometers away. There are no people to be seen on the streets, and the buildings stand empty – most residents have abandoned the city, leaving their apartments in high-rises and private homes behind.

Telegram oembed: https://t.me/informator_live/3559

Just a few months ago, Pokrovsk was still bustling with people, with over 60,000 residents before the war. By early November, around 12,000 residents remained, but during the first half of the month, almost all either left on their own or were evacuated. A few shops are still operating in the city, but the situation with electricity, water, heating, and gas is catastrophic – most homes lack any of these utilities. Many buildings have been destroyed due to Russian terrorism and shelling.

The Situation Near Pokrovsk

DeepState has reported that Russian troops have occupied three more settlements in the Donetsk region. Among them is the city of Selydove, which was long defended by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Experts and military analysts note that the fall of Selydove does not necessarily open the way for the occupiers to advance further on Pokrovsk. The Russians might also turn towards Kurakhove to straighten the front line and eliminate the threat posed by Ukrainian forces.

Currently, most military experts no longer hide that the front is cracking and collapsing. The situation looks particularly threatening in the Pokrovsk-Kurakhove direction. Officer Igor Lapin of the Armed Forces of Ukraine emphasizes that the loss of Hirske has given the occupiers panoramic control over the approaches to Kurakhove, as it is through such strategic heights that the Russians secure gradual control over this part of Donbas.