Zelenskyy: Russia seeks to capture Pokrovsk as soon as possible

ISTANBUL

Russia is attempting to seize the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk as quickly as possible to promote its narrative that it can take control of the entire Donbas region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff.

“The number one goal for the Russians is to occupy Pokrovsk as soon as possible,” said Zelenskyy, according to Ukrainian media.

He noted that 314 Russian troops are currently in the city, while a large group is operating on its outskirts. Ukrainian forces have recorded 220 assaults on Pokrovsk in three days, he said.

“I think this factor may influence both the advancement of sanctions and their delay. Russia fears strong decisions from the United States and wants to use Pokrovsk to show success on the battlefield,” he said.

Zelenskyy reported that Russian forces suffered their highest monthly loss in October since the start of the war, estimating casualties at 27,000 to 28,000 soldiers, a figure he attributed to the increased use of drones. He announced the upcoming launch of a large-scale production of domestic Mavic-style drones, adding that “funded contracts are already being prepared.”

Hungary-US contact

Commenting on the meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and US President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy expressed confidence that Orban would raise issues related to Russian energy.

“Everyone understands the consequences of EU and President Trump’s sanctions on energy companies,” he said, warning that Kyiv would not support any talks serving “electoral interests” without real results.

He added that Ukraine is working to eliminate Russian oil from European markets and prevent Moscow from earning profits from energy exports.

Tomahawk missiles

On defense cooperation, Zelenskyy said US manufacturers are ready to respond quickly to Trump’s approval of Tomahawk missile deliveries.

“In case of a positive signal from President Trump, they will gladly transfer or sell the systems,” he said, adding that Kyiv is negotiating for other long-range weapons as part of a “deterrence package” against Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

The Ukrainian leader noted that his forces were making progress near Kupyansk, while the situation around Vovchansk “could become more difficult” as Russian troops continue to amass.

Pokrovsk, located in the Donetsk region, has become a key flashpoint amid intensified Russian offensives. The city’s fall would allow Moscow to claim full control of Donbas, a central objective since the invasion began in February 2022.