The battle the world is watching, but few understand: What’s really going on in Pokrovsk?

The Donbass town of Pokrovsk (known in Russia as Krasnoarmeysk) has found itself at the center of attention in recent days. In many ways, the Russian advance in this strategic stronghold appears to be following a familiar pattern: Ukraine denies there’s a crisis, holds on too long, attempts futile counterattacks instead of executing a retreat and ultimately gives way with tremendous losses.

But similarities aside, what is happening here comes at a pivotal time and may well determine how the next phase of the war shapes up.