Ukrainian forces are counterattacking around Pokrovsk and holding back Russia’s advance, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Geolocated footage published November 3 indicates units of Russia’s 5th Motorized Rifle Brigade advanced in southern Myrnohrad and in eastern Rodynske. Other video shows Ukrainian forces striking two Russian troops in northwestern Pokrovsk who ISW assesses were attempting to infiltrate, though it did not change control lines.
Ukrainian officers say Russian units are pushing deeper into Pokrovsk, setting up observation posts and concentrating personnel in the city. A source linked to Ukrainian intelligence reports Russian forces are entering from the Zverevo–Shevchenko–Novopavlovka area to the southwest and massing on the city’s northeast and northern outskirts, while establishing positions for drone operators. Russia’s Defense Ministry has posted video showing civilian evacuations and document checks in Pokrovsk.
Ukraine continues defensive and counteroffensive operations. Geolocated data indicate Ukrainian troops advanced in eastern Rodynske. Ukraine’s 7th Air Assault Corps said its units reinforced and resupplied along the Pokrovsk axis and blocked Russian attempts to push into northern Pokrovsk and cut the Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad highway.
On the eastern flank near Dobropillya, Ukrainian forces have retaken ground Russia seized earlier, steadily narrowing the Russian salient in recent weeks. On November 2, a Russian military blogger said Ukrainian troops liberated Nove Shakhove. Earlier, Ukraine’s General Staff reported the liberation of Kucheriv Yar and Zolotyi Kolodets. On October 31, Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets confirmed the liberation of Dorozhne. Fighting and Ukrainian counterattacks have also been recorded near Mayak and Zapovedne.
ISW assesses that Ukrainian pressure in the Dobropillya sector is affecting Russia’s ability to sustain its push on Pokrovsk, forcing Moscow to reallocate resources. Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said November 3 that Ukrainian actions on this flank are complicating Russia’s attempt to form an encirclement around Pokrovsk.
ISW identifies Russia’s 2nd Combined Arms Army of the Central Military District as the primary assault formation on this axis. The 51st Army, attacking from the east and north, has seen its capabilities constrained by Ukrainian moves around the Dobropillya salient, prompting Russia to bring in naval infantry to keep the offensive going.
Ukraine’s military intelligence directorate (GUR) released video of a special operation near Pokrovsk in which the “Timur” special unit tore down a Russian flag from a city stele, opened a corridor and improved logistics for Ukrainian units. [focus.ua/voennye-n...](https://focus.ua/voennye-novosti/731421-boi-v-pokrovske-gur-pokazalo-kadry-probitiya-koridora-video)
Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad remain hotspots, but the situation is under control: Ukrainian forces have advanced in northern Pokrovsk, received reinforcements and prevented Russian troops from cutting the road to Rodynske.
