Key Highlights
- Russian troops have rolled into the key Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk in a “Mad Max-style” manner.
- The fight for Pokrovsk has been ongoing for over a year, with Moscow aiming to gain control of the strategically important eastern region.
- Ukraine has acknowledged Russian presence in the city but denied full control by Moscow.
- Russia claims it has taken 256 buildings and is intensifying its push towards Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
The Mad Max-Style Advance
On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, a video surfaced showing Russian troops rolling into the strategic Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk in what appeared to be a “Mad Max-style” operation. The footage captured soldiers riding motorbikes and even scaling onto the roofs of damaged vehicles, creating an apocalyptic scene reminiscent of the post-apocalyptic landscapes depicted in the Mad Max film series.
According to some Telegram users, this manner of entry mirrors scenes from the 1979 action film “Mad Max,” further emphasizing the chaos and destruction associated with the ongoing conflict. The video has sparked renewed interest in the battle for Pokrovsk, a city situated on a significant road and rail artery in the Donetsk region.
Strategic Importance of Pokrovsk
Pokrovsk is considered a crucial gateway to the industrial heartland of eastern Ukraine by Russian media. The strategic position of this city makes it a focal point for both Ukrainian and Russian forces, with Moscow pushing to gain control over the entire Donetsk region.
The fight for Pokrovsk has been ongoing for more than a year, reflecting Vladimir Putin’s broader objective to exert control over all of Ukraine’s eastern territories. The intensity of the conflict is underscored by claims that around 300 Russian soldiers have entered the city, with Ukrainian forces actively resisting their presence.
Ukraine’s Response and Military Tactics
Ukraine has acknowledged the presence of Russian troops in Pokrovsk but denies Moscow’s claim of full control. The Ukrainian military reported that around 300 Russian soldiers are now inside the city, with an additional surge in troop movements over the past few days utilizing dense fog to avoid detection by drones.
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasized the ongoing battle for Pokrovsk, stating that it is a central focus of their efforts. He highlighted the challenges posed by weather conditions and the relentless attacks from Russian forces, while also acknowledging the resilience of his troops in defending critical positions.
Ukraine’s military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, provided further insight into Russia’s military strategy, stating that around 150,000 troops are being concentrated for an assault on Pokrovsk. He highlighted the involvement of mechanized groups and marine brigades in this offensive.
Russian Advances Across Eastern Ukraine
While the focus is on Pokrovsk, Russia has also announced significant advances across other regions. On November 10, 2025, Russian forces claimed to have taken full control of eastern Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region and had captured several key railway stops along the route to Kupiansk Vuzlovyi.
The Ukrainian military withdrew from some villages due to intense attacks involving over 400 artillery strikes daily. Despite these setbacks, Ukraine continues to resist Russian advances, with counter-attacks in nearby towns such as Dobropillia.
Russia reported that it now controls more than 19% of Ukraine’s territory, or approximately 116,000 square kilometers (44,800 square miles), marking a significant expansion from the previous year’s control of 18%. These ongoing developments highlight the complexity and intensity of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
