Ukrainian special forces have launched a counter-offensive in Pokrovsk, using US-made Black Hawk helicopters. The goal of the operation was to reopen supply lines in the besieged city, which has held out for more than a year against a Russian offensive but now appears on the brink of capture.

The 7th Rapid Response Corps of Ukraine's Air Assault Forces has said that Ukrainian troops have improved their tactical position in several districts of the city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast. Details: The statement says that as of 15:00 on 1 November,

Ukrainian military authorities insist their forces are holding out in the frontline eastern city of Pokrovsk amid fierce fighting against an assembled for of some 170,000 Russian troops.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has received reports from military commanders on the situation at the front, noting that Ukrainian forces have achieved results in destroying Russian troops in the Pokrovsk sector.

Pokrovsk was dubbed a "fortress" settlement, key to Ukrainian lines in the east and connected to other cities forming the backbone of Ukraine's defense in the east. Russia kicked off a push to take Pokrovsk in the summer of 2024.

EADaily, November 1st, 2025. The Ukrainian Armed Forces continue a complex operation to oust Russian forces from Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk). This was stated in social networks by commander-in-chief Alexander Syrsky.

Russian forces have reportedly encircled the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, leading to dire conditions for Ukrainian soldiers. Captured troops describe abandonment by their commanders, lack of supplies,

Editor's note: this was Ukraine war latest for Oct. 29. Read our edition of Ukraine war latest for Oct. 30 here. Hi, this is Tania Myronyshena reporting from Kyiv on day 1,343 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.