The city of Pokrovsk and its surrounding area could come under Russian control as early as November 2025, according to Russian military correspondent Yuri Kotenok.

Writing on his Telegram channel, Kotenok suggested that the dynamics of the current fighting point toward the Pokrovsk agglomeration «returning to Russia» within that timeframe.

He noted that the situation in Pokrovsk remains obscured by the «fog of war», making it difficult to obtain reliable information about what is happening on the ground. However, he said that heavy clashes continue in and around the city, involving mostly small assault groups.

Kotenok also commented on the reported visit of Kyryll Budanov*, head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), to Pokrovsk. He suggested that Budanov’s presence was linked to preparations for a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the area.

Earlier, a Ukrainian officer identified as Tkachuk stated that Budanov* had traveled to the Russian-encircled Pokrovsk, accompanied by members of GUR special forces.

  • Listed by Rosfinmonitoring as a terrorist and extremist.