KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is trying to seize the eastern city of Pokrovsk “as soon as possible” to bolster its claim that it can take full control of the Donbas region.

Speaking after a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff, Zelenskyy said Russian forces had launched 220 assaults on Pokrovsk in just three days.

“The number one goal for the Russians is to occupy Pokrovsk as soon as possible,” he told Ukrainian media, noting that about 314 Russian troops were currently inside the city while larger forces operated on its outskirts.

He added that Moscow’s offensive may be aimed at influencing Western sanctions.

“Russia fears strong decisions from the United States and wants to use Pokrovsk to show success on the battlefield,” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader reported that Russian forces suffered their highest monthly losses in October since the start of the invasion, with an estimated 27,000 to 28,000 soldiers killed or wounded — figures he attributed to Ukraine’s increased use of drones.

He also announced plans to launch large-scale domestic production of Mavic-style drones, with “funded contracts already being prepared.”

Commenting on the recent meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and US President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy said he expects Orban to raise issues tied to Russian energy.

“Everyone understands the consequences of EU and President Trump’s sanctions on energy companies,” he said, stressing that Kyiv would not back talks serving “electoral interests” without tangible results.

He added that Ukraine continues efforts to remove Russian oil from European markets and block Moscow’s energy revenues.

On defense cooperation, Zelenskyy said US manufacturers are prepared to supply Tomahawk missiles if approved by Trump.

“In case of a positive signal from President Trump, they will gladly transfer or sell the systems,” he said, adding that Ukraine is also negotiating for other long-range weapons as part of a broader “deterrence package” against Russian strikes on energy infrastructure.

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces are making progress near Kupyansk but warned that the situation around Vovchansk “could become more difficult” as Russian troops continue to mass.

Pokrovsk, located in the Donetsk region, has become a key flashpoint amid intensified Russian offensives. Its capture would allow Moscow to claim full control of the Donbas — a central goal of its invasion since February 2022. — Agencies