At the end of 2024, the city of Pokrovsk became one of the hottest spots in eastern Ukraine. This strategically important city, located at the intersection of key transport routes, has long been known for its coal industry. Today, it is a symbol of resilience, combining human courage and the latest military technology. Despite daily shelling, destruction of infrastructure, and constant pressure from Russian troops, Pokrovsk is holding on thanks to the coordinated actions of Ukrainian defenders and the determination of local residents.
Pokrovsk is a key link in the defense of Donetsk Oblast. Its transport infrastructure and geographical location make the city an important springboard for the defense of Ukrainian positions. Since spring 2024, Russia has been relentless in its attempts to surround Pokrovsk. Every day, fierce battles rage on the outskirts of the city, with artillery from both sides firing continuously.
“We know that Pokrovsk is more than just a city. It is a barrier that stops the enemy from advancing to other regions,” says one of the commanders of the 68th Separate Rifle Brigade, which is defending this area. Thanks to their efforts, Russian troops are losing thousands of soldiers in futile attempts to break through Ukrainian positions.
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Today, the Ukrainian Association of Professional Photographers is publishing a new series of documentary photographs by Anton Shtuka, who recently returned from Pokrovsk and its surroundings, spoke with civilians, and saw the work of the military in order to shed light on the current situation in the region.
Infrastructure destruction and everyday heroism
“It is dangerous to be in Pokrovsk right now, and that is probably obvious. Every day, movement is becoming more restricted, and even journalists are visiting the city less and less. The greatest danger is when entering and leaving, especially by car, due to the risk of attack by FPV drones. When traveling on foot, the danger from drones is reduced, but the threat of artillery shelling and guided aerial bombs (KABs) increases,” says Anton.
The photographer also noted that there is a curfew in the city, which leaves residents only four hours a day to run errands. “From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., people go out to buy essential groceries or run other errands. Most of them travel by bicycle or on foot. During these hours, you can see locals carrying bags of food home, taking advantage of this short window of opportunity. Only a few small shops are open in the city, but you can still find taxis — it's true everyday heroism,” he shares.
Regarding safety, Anton explains that armored cars with electronic warfare systems have become a mandatory means of protection: “This is even more important than body armor and helmets. Electronic warfare allows us to avoid drone attacks and is a key element of survival when traveling to dangerous areas.”
While in the city, Anton heard numerous artillery salvos, indicating the proximity of the front line: “Although nothing hit us directly, it was clear that it was only a matter of time. We were lucky and managed to avoid shelling thanks to favorable weather and the use of modern protective equipment.”
According to local authorities, at the time of the photographer's visit, there were about 11,000 people left in the city. According to official data, there were no children among the residents. According to Anton, the infrastructure was functioning at a minimum level: “Gas, electricity, and water were working, but the situation remained very unstable.”
The power grid, damaged by enemy drones and artillery, was completely out of order. The city's military administration warned that restoration might not be possible.
From 30 to 60 shelling attacks per day
This area is seeing the most intense attacks by Russian troops on the entire eastern front, with 30 to 60 shellings per day, some just a few kilometers from the city. Pokrovsk has become a place of constant fighting, while remaining home to thousands of people who have been unable or unwilling to leave.
Despite the difficult conditions, local residents are trying to continue their lives. Svitlana Storozhko, owner of a small shop and café, greets her customers every day, offering them not only goods but also support. “There will be bread tomorrow,” she promises one of her customers amid the rumble of artillery outside the window. Her words are filled with faith, even though it is becoming increasingly dangerous to remain in the city. ‘We believe in God and the Armed Forces of Ukraine,’ she says.
The work of the military: drones defending Pokrovsk
Meanwhile, a real technological war is unfolding on the outskirts of Pokrovsk. According to photographer Anton Shtuka, a workshop resembling a modern drone factory has been set up in an ordinary village house. Here, parts are printed on 3D printers, equipped with ammunition, and prepared for combat missions. “It looks like a high-tech hub where innovation is working to defend Ukraine,” Anton shares.
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The contrast between the modest exterior of the building and what goes on inside is particularly striking. “From the outside, it looks like a simple village house, but inside, everything is organized like a modern production facility: neat shelves with batteries, drones, soldering rooms, and work areas. This place really changes your perception of war,” says the photographer.
Anton also shared what he saw while working with the drone operators. According to him, the precision and coordination of their actions are impressive: “We watched as the operators held the drones over heat spots that revealed hidden enemies, and in a few seconds, everything ended with a precise strike. It's like a real hunt, where every shot hits the target.”
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A 3D printer buzzes constantly in the workshop, creating new casings for ammunition. On screens, operators watch nighttime broadcasts from the combat zone. “We saw a drone hovering over a narrow path and dropping a surprise mine that changed the course of the night for the enemy. It's exciting and at the same time makes you think about the role of such technologies in modern warfare,” Anton adds.
According to the photographer, the team works confidently but without excessive caution. “There are enough drones, and you can see that from how actively they are being used. These guys are real professionals who know their stuff and don't give the enemy a chance,” he says.
The workshop is home to the ‘Dovbush Hornets’ UAV unit of the 68th Separate Rifle Brigade. “Drones have become an integral part of modern warfare. Thanks to them, the enemy often doesn't stand a chance,” concludes Anton Shtuka. But despite significant successes, the front line is gradually approaching Pokrovsk, and the threat remains constant.
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The front line is inexorably approaching
Pokrovsk is under constant pressure from Russian troops seeking to surround the city. At the same time, Ukrainian troops are forced to operate with a constant shortage of ammunition and equipment, which significantly complicates their work. Ukrainians fear that the city will suffer the same fate as Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Kurakhove, and other settlements destroyed by Russian troops. The occupiers not only destroyed the infrastructure of these cities, but also killed many residents, forcing those who survived to seek refuge in other regions or countries.
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The fate of Pokrovsk depends on everyone who defends the city and everyone who believes in Ukraine's victory. As long as the city holds out, there is hope for a better future for the entire country.
“It seems on screen that the enemy has no chance; the pilots have an unmatched advantage over the infantry. But despite this successful hunt, the front line is moving closer to Pokrovsk every day, relentlessly. Successful defense requires hunting down the enemy,” concludes Anton Shuka.
Anton Shuka is a Ukrainian director, documentary filmmaker, video and photojournalist. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he has been telling international audiences the stories of people affected by the war and Ukrainian culture.
Instagram of Anton Shuka.
Contributors:
Researcher, author: Vira Labych
Image editor: Olga Kovaleva
Literary editor: Yulia Futey
Website manager: Vladislav Kukhar
