Russian forces have completed the encirclement of a major Ukrainian defense hub in Dobropolye in the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on September 22.

According to the ministry, units of Russia’s Center Group completed the encirclement following active operations around the city.

After approaching Dobropolye from several directions and cutting the road leading from Belozerskoye, Russian forces began splitting the surrounded Ukrainian garrison into separate sections.

The main Russian advance is coming from the south along Pervomaiskaya Street and Pobedy Avenue. Ukrainian units are being pushed toward the city park and ponds, closing another potential route of withdrawal to the southwest.

Ukrainian forces remaining in Dobropolye are awaiting an attempt to break the encirclement, but the Ukrainian command has so far not deployed reserves toward the city. Supply routes are being cut while Russian forces expand the territory under their control within the city, leaving the remaining Ukrainian units facing systematic destruction.

A similar situation is developing in Orekhovo in the Zaporozhye Region, where a significant part of the city has come under Russian control in recent weeks.