Russian President Putin’s 02 December 2025 reported claim that Russian Ground Forces (RGF) have taken complete control of the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk is almost certainly inaccurate. It is likely that Ukrainian forces retain a limited capability to launch small-scale raids into the northern part of the city, contesting full Russian control, and delaying Russian efforts at consolidation. RGF are continuing intensive efforts to envelop Pokrovsk, which previously served as a key Ukrainian