Ukraine says it holds defensive line in northern part of Pokrovsk

A Ukrainian serviceman of the National Police Special Purpose Battalion prepares to fire a howitzer towards Russian troops at a position in a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, Ukraine November 20, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer

KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine said on Friday its forces were holding defensive lines in the northern part of the embattled eastern city of Pokrovsk and were blocking attempts by Russian troops to advance further.

Moscow's forces have ground towards the logistics hub for months to try to capture Pokrovsk, which Russian media has dubbed as the "gateway" to Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.