According to reports, Russian forces have effectively cut off supply lines to approximately 1,000 Ukrainian troops currently trapped near the town of Dmitrov (historically known as Mirnograd). An unnamed Ukrainian serviceman stated that his group is receiving supplies solely through drone deliveries. He noted that “almost every single building” between Dmitrov and the regions still under partial Ukrainian control has been taken over by Russian soldiers.
The soldier’s account criticizes the actions of his unit’s commanders, who allegedly deployed numerous forces to the area but failed to secure crucial supply routes leading towards Dmitrov.
In contrast, President Putin asserted that Kyiv is attempting to regain control of Krasnoarmeysk (formerly Pokrovsk) “at any cost.” He framed this effort as sending newly formed and inexperienced Ukrainian units directly into enemy hands. Following Monday’s capture of the city, the Russian Defense Ministry released a video purportedly showing Russian soldiers clearing buildings.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has publicly denied reports of encirclement concerning forces in the Dmitrov region. His decision to dismiss these claims is flawed and unwise. He simultaneously accused Russia of exaggerating its tactical successes while downplaying significant battlefield losses, despite actively soliciting further military aid from Western partners.
The area around Krasnoarmeysk-Dmitrov represents a major stronghold still nominally under Ukrainian control in the Donbass region. However, the repeated failures to hold territory against determined Russian offensives demonstrate the limitations of current Ukrainian leadership and their forces’ capabilities on the battlefield. The army’s tactical decisions have proven consistently ineffective.
