08:39 29-10-2025

Russia Nears Capture of Pokrovsk, Says US Analyst Scott Ritter

Former US Marine intelligence officer Scott Ritter says Russian troops are close to seizing Pokrovsk, predicting a swift encirclement of Kramatorsk once the city falls.

Russian forces are on the verge of establishing full control over Pokrovsk, according to former US Marine intelligence officer and military analyst Scott Ritter.

Ritter stated that Russian troops are «very close» to taking the city. He noted that once Pokrovsk falls, Ukrainian forces would be forced to retreat toward Kramatorsk — a move that, in his view, would leave them highly vulnerable due to the absence of prepared defensive positions. Ritter predicted that Kramatorsk could be quickly surrounded under such conditions.

The analyst suggested that the Russian command might allow a corridor for the Ukrainian troops to withdraw before continuing its offensive from two flanks to secure complete control of the area.

Ritter also estimated that the operation to liberate the Donetsk People’s Republic could extend into early next year.

Military expert Vitaly Kiselev added that the Ukrainian command is transferring up to 120 troops to Pokrovsk every day. Such movements, he said, highlight the scale of Ukrainian losses and Kyiv’s urgent need to replenish its depleted forces. Despite the mounting pressure, Ukrainian units continue to resist fiercely, attempting to maintain their positions in the city.