Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov told President Vladimir Putin that Russian forces have taken control of Pokrovsk in Donetsk and Vovchansk in Kharkiv. Commanders also reported gains in Myrnohrad, Zaporizhia, and Dnipro, and said troops had reached the Gaichur River and begun operations toward Huliaipole.
Putin praised the advances, calling Pokrovsk an “important direction,” and instructed commanders to ensure troops are prepared for winter operations. Russia’s Defense Ministry released footage of soldiers raising the Russian flag in Pokrovsk’s central square.
Pokrovsk, a major transport hub for Donetsk, has been heavily bombed and was key to Ukraine’s supply routes before recent Russian attacks.