In this crucial episode of Battleground: Ukraine, hosts Saul David and Patrick Bishop dissect the high-stakes battle for Pokrovsk, a strategic rail and supply hub now facing an overwhelming Russian onslaught.

Despite recent slowdowns in the Russian advance and successful Ukrainian counter-attacks—which have inflicted record casualties on the invaders—the city’s defences appear to be on the verge of collapse. We examine the claims from Ukrainian officials that "We are losing Pokrovsk," the implications of unverified footage showing Russian forces entering the city, and what the loss of this key position would mean for Ukraine’s morale and the entire Donbas "fortress belt."

They also dissect the shocking corruption scandal uncovered by Ukraine's anti-corruption units, which demonstrates both the scale of corruption in Ukraine and also the success of measures being used to combat it.

We also welcome back friend of the podcast, intrepid Hungarian war reporter Boldi Gyori, who shares his recent experiences from the frontlines in Kramatorsk.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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