Ukraine's last eastern strongholds hang on as Russia fights to take Donbas

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 -In the embattled eastern region of Donbas, a handful of cities under Ukrainian control — notably Kramatorsk and Pokrovsk — have become a stark illustration of how close the war is to reaching a critical point. 

Over the past month, Kramatorsk has been repeatedly hit by a barrage of attacks — from strike drones, ballistic missiles, rockets, to aerial bombs. Residences, gas stations, markets, and even a power plant have been struck, triggering blackouts and inflicting fear and hardship among residents.

Residents describe life in these remaining strongholds as increasingly precarious. One young resident of Kramatorsk said a bomb hit the house next door, forcing people to live in constant fear: “We all feel that the front is getting closer. 

Your life depends on how our guys at the front hold on.” Many have considered fleeing, but some — determined to stay — say they cannot abandon their homes and belongings despite the danger.

On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces remain under tremendous pressure. In Pokrovsk, defenders report that Russian forces are using elite drone units and deploying waves of aerial drones — reducing Ukraine’s advantage in drone warfare. 

Commanders warn that their troops are vastly outnumbered, suffering heavy losses, and that the situation may not hold for long without reinforcements.

What’s at stake: If Pokrovsk, Kramatorsk, or the remaining strongholds in Donetsk fall, it would allow Russian forces to claim a major strategic — and symbolic — victory. 

It could also sever critical logistic and defense lines for Ukraine in the east, drastically reshaping control of the region. The outcome may influence not only ongoing military operations, but also any future negotiations over territorial control of Donbas.