Fears are growing within Ukraine of a possible major military defeat as fighting continues against Russian forces. Multiple sources within the Ukrainian military and intelligence services told German newspaper BILD that the Russian army could capture key cities such as Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad and potentially encircle Ukrainian units. While official statements claim positions are being held and Russian advances are being repelled, internal assessments suggest the situation is increasingly precarious.
The newspaper reports that Ukrainian troops are particularly concerned about potential encirclement. Discussions among military circles also focus on the timing of troop withdrawals, with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decisions under scrutiny. Some sources compared the current situation to last year’s defence of Bakhmut, when Ukrainian forces delayed withdrawal despite military advice.
A Ukrainian diplomat said: “We defend ourselves heroically, claim that Russia is in a worse position than it says itself—and then we withdraw.” Troops on the ground report that reconnaissance units are often deployed as battles near their conclusion.
President Zelensky visited troops near Pokrovsk, meeting units of the National Guard of Ukraine. The city has been a focus of repeated Russian attacks and remains strategically significant as a supply route for Ukrainian forces. Kyiv reports that hundreds of Russian soldiers have entered the logistics hub.
The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russian forces made steady territorial gains in October, capturing approximately 461 square kilometres, mostly in the Donetsk region. Overall, Russia now controls around 19.2% of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk. Nearby cities such as Myrnohrad have also seen increased military activity, with Ukrainian units engaged in defensive operations.
Soldiers interviewed described extreme difficulties on the ground. One stationed near Pokrovsk told BILD: “The situation is extremely bad. We have lost 80% of the city, we are still fighting for 20%, but we are losing there too. The guys in Myrnohrad and further south are in even worse shape; they are practically surrounded,” a soldier said.
Ukrainian forces have deployed special units, including the Azov Corps, to bolster defences, but Russian advances continue across multiple locations.
