In late 2024, the city of Pokrovsk became one of the hottest spots in eastern Ukraine. This strategically important city, located at the intersection of key transportation 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 the daily shelling, destruction of infrastructure and constant pressure from Russian troops, Pokrovsk is holding out thanks to the coordinated actions of Ukrainian defenders and the resilience of local residents.
Pokrovsk is a key link in the defense of Donetsk region. Its transport infrastructure and geographical location make the city an important foothold for the defense of Ukrainian positions. Since the spring of 2024, Russia has been trying to surround Pokrovsk. Fierce fighting takes place on the outskirts of the city every day, and artillery from both sides is constantly firing.
“We know that Pokrovsk is more than just a town. It is a barrier that stops the enemy on its way to other regions,” says one of the commanders of the 68th separate ranger brigade that defends 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 publishes a new series of documentary photographs by Anton Shtuka, who recently returned from Pokrovsk and its surroundings, talked to civilians and saw the military at work to cover the current situation in the region.
“It is dangerous to be in Pokrovsk now, and this is probably obvious. Every day the possibility of movement is increasingly limited, even journalists visit the city less and less. The biggest danger is when entering and leaving the city, especially in a car, because of the risk of an FPV drone attack. When you move around on foot, the danger of drones decreases, but the threat of artillery shelling and guided aerial bombs (CABs) increases,” Anton says.
The photographer also noted that the city has a curfew, which leaves residents only four hours a day to take care of their daily routine. “From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., people go out to buy the necessary food or to do other things. 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. There are only a few small shops in the city, but you can still find taxis - it's a real everyday heroism,” he says.
In terms of safety, Anton explains that armored vehicles with electronic warfare systems have become a mandatory means of protection: “It's more important than a bulletproof vest and helmet. Electronic warfare allows you to avoid drone attacks and is a key element of survival when traveling to a dangerous area.”
During his stay in the city, Anton heard numerous artillery volleys, indicating the proximity of the frontline: “Although nothing was flying directly next to us, it was clear that it was only a matter of time. We were lucky and were able to avoid the shelling thanks to the favorable weather and the use of modern means of protection.”
According to local authorities, about 11,000 people remained in the city at the time of the photographer's visit. According to official data, there were no children among the residents. According to Anton, the infrastructure was functioning at a minimal level: “Gas, electricity and water supply 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 it might not be possible to restore it.
This area is the site of the most intense attacks by Russian troops on the entire eastern front, with 30 to 60 attacks 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 were unable or unwilling to leave.
Despite the difficult conditions, the locals are trying to get on with their lives. Svitlana Storozhko, the owner of a small shop and cafe, meets her customers every day, offering them not only goods but also support. “There will be bread tomorrow,” she promises one of her customers as artillery roars outside her window. Her words are filled with faith, even though it is becoming increasingly dangerous to stay in the city. “We believe in God and the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” she says.
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, they print parts on 3D printers, equip them with ammunition, and prepare them for combat missions. “It looks like a high-tech hub where innovations work to protect Ukraine,” Anton says.
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The contrast between the building's modest appearance and what goes on inside is particularly striking. “From the outside it looks like a simple village hut, but inside everything is organized at the level of modern production: neat racks with batteries, drones, soldering rooms and work areas. This place really changes the perception of war,” says the photographer.
Anton also shared what he saw during the work of the drone operators. According to him, the accuracy and coordination of their actions are impressive: “We watched the operators hold the drones over heat spots that give away hidden enemies, and in a few seconds everything ends with a precise strike. It's a real hunt, where every shot is on target.”
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In the workshop, a 3D printer is constantly whirring, creating new ammunition cases. On screens, operators watch nightly broadcasts from the battle zone. “We saw a drone hovering over a narrow path and dropping a surprise mine that changes 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 being overly cautious. “There are enough drones, and it is evident from the way they actively use them. These guys are true professionals who know their job and don't give the enemy a chance,” he says.
The workshop is home to the Dovbush Hornets UAV unit of the 68th separate hunting brigade. “Drones have become an integral part of modern warfare. Thanks to them, the enemy often has no chance,” summarizes Anton Shtuka. Despite the significant successes, the front line is gradually approaching Pokrovsk, and the threat remains constant.
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Pokrovsk is under constant pressure from Russian troops who are trying to surround the city. At the same time, the Ukrainian military has to operate in the face of a constant shortage of ammunition and equipment, which significantly complicates their work. Ukrainians fear that the city will not repeat the fate of Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Kurakhove and other settlements destroyed by Russian troops. The occupiers not only destroyed the infrastructure of these cities, but also took the lives of many residents, and forced the survivors 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 the screen that the enemy has no chance; the pilots have an incomparable advantage over the infantry. But despite this successful hunt, the front line is approaching Pokrovsk daily and inexorably. Successful defense requires hunting enemies,” Anton Shtuka summarizes.
Anton Shtuka is a Ukrainian filmmaker, documentary filmmaker, video and photo journalist. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he has been telling the stories of people involved in the war and Ukrainian culture to an international audience.
Anton Shtuka's Instagram.
The material was worked on:
Researcher of the topic, author of the text: Vera Labich
Editor-in-chief: Olga Kovaleva
Literary editor: Yulia Futey
Website manager: Vladyslav Kukhar
In late 2024, the city of Pokrovsk became one of the hottest spots in eastern Ukraine. This strategically important city, located at the intersection of key transportation 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 the daily shelling, destruction of infrastructure and constant pressure from Russian troops, Pokrovsk is holding out thanks to the coordinated actions of Ukrainian defenders and the resilience of local residents.
Pokrovsk is a key link in the defense of Donetsk region. Its transport infrastructure and geographical location make the city an important foothold for the defense of Ukrainian positions. Since the spring of 2024, Russia has been trying to surround Pokrovsk. Fierce fighting takes place on the outskirts of the city every day, and artillery from both sides is constantly firing.
“We know that Pokrovsk is more than just a town. It is a barrier that stops the enemy on its way to other regions,” says one of the commanders of the 68th separate ranger brigade that defends this area. Thanks to their efforts, Russian troops are losing thousands of soldiers in futile attempts to break through Ukrainian positions.
Today, the Ukrainian Association of Professional Photographers publishes a new series of documentary photographs by Anton Shtuka, who recently returned from Pokrovsk and its surroundings, talked to civilians and saw the military at work to cover the current situation in the region.
“It is dangerous to be in Pokrovsk now, and this is probably obvious. Every day the possibility of movement is increasingly limited, even journalists visit the city less and less. The biggest danger is when entering and leaving the city, especially in a car, because of the risk of an FPV drone attack. When you move around on foot, the danger of drones decreases, but the threat of artillery shelling and guided aerial bombs (CABs) increases,” Anton says.
The photographer also noted that the city has a curfew, which leaves residents only four hours a day to take care of their daily routine. “From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., people go out to buy the necessary food or to do other things. 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. There are only a few small shops in the city, but you can still find taxis - it's a real everyday heroism,” he says.
In terms of safety, Anton explains that armored vehicles with electronic warfare systems have become a mandatory means of protection: “It's more important than a bulletproof vest and helmet. Electronic warfare allows you to avoid drone attacks and is a key element of survival when traveling to a dangerous area.”
During his stay in the city, Anton heard numerous artillery volleys, indicating the proximity of the frontline: “Although nothing was flying directly next to us, it was clear that it was only a matter of time. We were lucky and were able to avoid the shelling thanks to the favorable weather and the use of modern means of protection.”
According to local authorities, about 11,000 people remained in the city at the time of the photographer's visit. According to official data, there were no children among the residents. According to Anton, the infrastructure was functioning at a minimal level: “Gas, electricity and water supply 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 it might not be possible to restore it.
This area is the site of the most intense attacks by Russian troops on the entire eastern front, with 30 to 60 attacks 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 were unable or unwilling to leave.
Despite the difficult conditions, the locals are trying to get on with their lives. Svitlana Storozhko, the owner of a small shop and cafe, meets her customers every day, offering them not only goods but also support. “There will be bread tomorrow,” she promises one of her customers as artillery roars outside her window. Her words are filled with faith, even though it is becoming increasingly dangerous to stay in the city. “We believe in God and the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” she says.
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, they print parts on 3D printers, equip them with ammunition, and prepare them for combat missions. “It looks like a high-tech hub where innovations work to protect Ukraine,” Anton says.
The contrast between the building's modest appearance and what goes on inside is particularly striking. “From the outside it looks like a simple village hut, but inside everything is organized at the level of modern production: neat racks with batteries, drones, soldering rooms and work areas. This place really changes the perception of war,” says the photographer.
Anton also shared what he saw during the work of the drone operators. According to him, the accuracy and coordination of their actions are impressive: “We watched the operators hold the drones over heat spots that give away hidden enemies, and in a few seconds everything ends with a precise strike. It's a real hunt, where every shot is on target.”
In the workshop, a 3D printer is constantly whirring, creating new ammunition cases. On screens, operators watch nightly broadcasts from the battle zone. “We saw a drone hovering over a narrow path and dropping a surprise mine that changes 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 being overly cautious. “There are enough drones, and it is evident from the way they actively use them. These guys are true professionals who know their job and don't give the enemy a chance,” he says.
The workshop is home to the Dovbush Hornets UAV unit of the 68th separate hunting brigade. “Drones have become an integral part of modern warfare. Thanks to them, the enemy often has no chance,” summarizes Anton Shtuka. Despite the significant successes, the front line is gradually approaching Pokrovsk, and the threat remains constant.
Pokrovsk is under constant pressure from Russian troops who are trying to surround the city. At the same time, the Ukrainian military has to operate in the face of a constant shortage of ammunition and equipment, which significantly complicates their work. Ukrainians fear that the city will not repeat the fate of Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Kurakhove and other settlements destroyed by Russian troops. The occupiers not only destroyed the infrastructure of these cities, but also took the lives of many residents, and forced the survivors to seek refuge in other regions or countries.
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 the screen that the enemy has no chance; the pilots have an incomparable advantage over the infantry. But despite this successful hunt, the front line is approaching Pokrovsk daily and inexorably. Successful defense requires hunting enemies,” Anton Shtuka summarizes.
Anton Shtuka is a Ukrainian filmmaker, documentary filmmaker, video and photo journalist. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he has been telling the stories of people involved in the war and Ukrainian culture to an international audience.
Anton Shtuka's Instagram.
The material was worked on:
Researcher of the topic, author of the text: Vera Labich
Editor-in-chief: Olga Kovaleva
Literary editor: Yulia Futey
Website manager: Vladyslav Kukhar
UAPP is an independent association of professional Ukrainian photographers, designed to protect their interests, support, develop and promote Ukrainian photography as an important element of national culture.
UAPP's activities span educational, social, research and cultural initiatives, as well as book publishing.
UAPP represents Ukrainian professional photography in the international photographic community and is an official member of the Federation of European Photographers (FEP) — an international organization representing more than 50,000 professional photographers in Europe and other countries around the world.
