Pokrovsk is almost entirely occupied by Russian forces. As reported by Hvylya, this was stated by Roman Pohorilyi, co-founder and analyst of the DeepState monitoring project, in an interview with Radio Liberty.
As of February 12, the aggressor controls approximately 95% of the city. Only a few blocks in the northwest toward the village of Hryshyne and a small section in the north toward Rodynske remain in the "gray zone."
Why Ukraine Lost Pokrovsk
Pohorilyi confirmed that for the past week, DeepState has been recording the final battles for Pokrovsk. "The enemy cannot yet secure the last sections remaining in the 'gray zone.' However, I am certain and, unfortunately, forced to say that it is only a matter of time," the expert noted.
The Pokrovsk direction remains the hottest point on the front—on February 12 alone, 22 combat engagements occurred there out of 124 across Ukraine. During periods of escalation, the number of Russian army attacks can reach 90.
The "Gray Zone" Phenomenon: A New Reality of War
The analyst explained the emergence of vast "gray zones" on the battlefield map—territories where no clear front line exists. "Currently, there is no stable line of contact as everyone is used to seeing. Very often, the enemy, already behind our positions, can build their own, dig in, and establish observation points," Pohorilyi said.
He provided a striking example: two positions were literally at arm's length—a Ukrainian soldier in one dugout and a Russian in the adjacent one. Neither emerged, and it was only through the "dropping" of provisions that it became clear someone was there. Eventually, the Ukrainian soldier stepped out and neutralized the occupier.
"Sitting in Burrows"
The expert described a troubling picture: in many cases, Ukrainian soldiers do not leave their positions or dugouts. They remain concealed because the primary task is survival while maintaining communication, transmitting information, and only firing back in extreme cases.
"Because of this, the command 'sells' the idea that they control an entire village. Keeping people there is senseless," the analyst emphasized. He added that DeepState works through internal channels to withdraw soldiers from such positions to prevent unnecessary loss of life.
Drones Fight While Infantry Survives
Pohorilyi raised the painful issue of the role of infantry in modern warfare. "There are many positions and infantrymen sitting in 'burrows,' not coming out, holding communication just to survive and finish their rotation, while drones destroy enemy infantry," he explained.
According to the expert, entire districts are being held by drones. "We no longer go on the offensive with large numbers of infantry as before. A military reform is needed, a correct vision, and a proper approach with resources and command. Pokrovsk is currently showing the worst manifestations of all these realities," the analyst stated.
Russia's Next Moves After Pokrovsk
Pohorilyi warned that the seizure of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad is not the end. "They need a zone to control in the future to concentrate forces in Pokrovsk for future developments," he noted.
The village of Hryshyne has already become a combat zone. Next, the expert predicts Russian forces may move toward the Dnipropetrovsk region or from Rodynske toward Shevchenko to an agglomeration of small settlements with established logistics.
"I am certain there will be a split in the grouping of troops because a massive amount of resources is stationed there, which will be redeployed to other sectors. Presumably, their next priority is Kostiantynivka, as they need to open up the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration," the analyst emphasized.
Russia's Goal for 2026
Pohorilyi is convinced that in 2026, Russia aims to fully capture the Donetsk region. The Dobropillya sector is also expected to activate as the enemy tries to cut Ukrainian logistics, which is more advantageous and requires fewer casualties than storming major cities.
"All of this must be expected, anticipated, and monitored through the movement of personnel being redeployed. But for now, the focus remains on Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad, as they are ready to throw everything they have just to take these cities," the expert concluded.