Overview
- Geolocated footage shows Russian advances into Rodynske, Sukhestke and southern Pokrowsk as concentrated assaults continue.
- The Institute for the Study of War reports small-unit infiltration in urban areas, including fighters operating in civilian clothing that would constitute perfidy, with limited use of armor.
- Ukraine cites a major force imbalance, with Zelenskyy claiming about 170,000 Russian troops in the sector versus Western estimates of up to roughly 40,000 attacking against about 12,000 defenders, while some Ukrainian units report near 20% strength.
- Frontline accounts describe very high Russian casualties yet sustained assaults; the SBU says October alone saw more than 1,500 Russian soldiers killed and dozens of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles destroyed.
- Ukrainian troops report a roughly 10-to-1 Russian drone advantage, and analysts warn that losing Pokrowsk would imperil supply links toward Myrnohrad, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk as Ukraine deploys special forces and intelligence units to counter incursions.