The Russian Armed Forces have reported taking control of two major settlements – Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region and Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region. The announcement was made on December 1 by the Kremlin, which released video footage of President Vladimir Putin meeting with military commanders.

According to the published footage, Vladimir Putin, dressed in military uniform, received a briefing from commanders who informed him of the “full liberation” of Pokrovsk and the completion of clearing operations on the city’s outskirts, including the districts of Myrnohrad.

Putin described these results as “a significant step” within the ongoing military campaign:

“The capture of Pokrovsk opens opportunities for further advances and for fulfilling the tasks set”, the president said.

According to the military command, control over Pokrovsk gives Russian forces access to a key logistical junction through which transport routes to western Donbas pass.

In addition to Pokrovsk, Russian forces reported the capture of Vovchansk – a city in the Kharkiv region located near the Russian border. According to military officials, “the situation in the city has been stabilized, and targeted operations continue” in border areas.

The Kremlin stated that Russian troops are “consolidating their success”, and the advance “is significant for increasing pressure on Ukrainian positions”.

Ukrainian authorities have not confirmed the loss of Pokrovsk or Vovchansk. In recent days, Ukrainian sources reported heavy fighting in Pokrovsk and ongoing resistance by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

There is currently no independent verification of the claims made by either side, and the situation along the line of contact remains fluid.

The announcement of the capture of the major cities came ahead of the visit to Moscow by Steve Witkoff, special representative of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to present elements of the American conflict-resolution plan to the Russian leadership.

Analysts note that Moscow may use these battlefield gains to strengthen its position ahead of negotiations. Pokrovsk is one of the most important transport hubs in the Donetsk region. Control of the city potentially allows Russian forces to pressure Ukrainian positions in the central part of the region, disrupt Ukrainian military logistics, and improve conditions for a possible advance toward Kurakhove and Vuhledar.

#RUSSIA

02.12.2025 03:43