The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: The Looming Fall of Pokrovsk
Nov 5, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Francis Farrell, a frontline reporter from the Kyiv Independent, shares his experiences in the heated battles of eastern Ukraine. He provides gripping insights into the imminent fall of Pokrovsk, driven by logistical failures and Russian infiltrations. Farrell also highlights the transformation of warfare with drone technology reshaping the battlefield. He explains the strategic significance of Donbas, emphasizing why Ukraine is unwilling to concede territory. Learn about the challenges ahead as winter approaches and the crucial lessons from recent military engagements.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Return To Kupyansk And Drone-Fed Combat
- Francis Farrell described returning to Kupyansk after its 2022 liberation and seeing it being fought over again with heavy destruction.
- He reported frontline teams watching drone feeds and intercepting FPV signals to warn troops in real time.
On-The-Ground View Of Pokrovsk's Collapse
- Francis Farrell recounted Pokrovsk holding for over a year before recent large-scale infiltrations made the defense chaotic.
- He said hundreds of Russian soldiers now move in small groups inside Pokrovsk, digging in and ambushing Ukrainian units.
Manpower, Drones, And The Cost Of Holding Ground
- Farrell highlighted Ukraine's infantry manpower crisis and Russian drone control over logistics routes as core causes of defensive collapse.
- He warned Ukraine's refusal to order timely withdrawals risks chaotic, costly retreats as seen in Bakhmut and Avdiivka.