“This is the most dangerous front line,” stated Oleksandr, the leader of a medical unit for the Ukrainian army’s 25th Brigade, as we stood in the treatment room of a makeshift field unit. The Russian Federation’s relentless push has prevented us from stabilizing the front, forcing us to constantly move as the front line shifts. Close to Pokrovsk, a mining city 60km northwest of Donetsk, our medics have been overwhelmed by the influx of injured soldiers, with 50 treated in a single day – a number rarely seen in this war.
The once bustling city of Pokrovsk now resembles a ghost town, with over three-quarters of its population having fled. Since Russia captured Avdiivka in February and Vuhledar in October, the fighting around Pokrovsk has intensified. The Ukrainian government acknowledges that the Pokrovsk direction faces the most enemy attacks, with the Armed Forces of Ukraine repelling around 150 attacks daily in the past two weeks.
In the field unit, just six miles from the front, we witness the toll of the battle for Pokrovsk. Soldiers arrive after dark for treatment to avoid armed Russian drones. The delays in receiving medical attention increase the risk of death and disability for these brave soldiers. The casualties we see range from shrapnel injuries to severe wounds requiring immediate attention.
The threat of Russian drones looms large over Pokrovsk, making evacuations and medical care extremely challenging. The remaining citizens live in constant fear of drone attacks, with many choosing to leave despite the uncertainty of their future. The war-weary residents express a desire for negotiations to end the conflict and rebuild their shattered lives.
As we drive through the city, we witness the devastation of war – power and water shortages, damaged infrastructure, and a sense of despair among the remaining residents. While some choose to stay and rebuild, others advocate for peace and an end to the senseless violence that has ravaged their community.
At the front line, Ukrainian soldiers like Vadym continue to fight against overwhelming odds, knowing that the fall of Pokrovsk could have dire consequences for the region. Despite their fatigue and losses, they remain determined to defend their homeland and hold Russia accountable for its aggression.
As the sun rises over the battlefield, the sound of explosions echoes in the distance. The fields of dried sunflowers serve as a stark reminder of the destruction wrought by war. Ukrainian soldiers like Vadym stand ready to defend their country, knowing that the fight for Pokrovsk is not just about a city, but about the future of Ukraine and its people.