The encirclement of a major Ukrainian grouping on the Dobropolye sector indicates that the front line is being straightened in the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Zaporozhye region, according to retired Colonel and military analyst Anatoly Matviychuk.

Matviychuk said a similar pocket already exists on the Kharkov sector and described it as closely adjoining the Zaporozhye direction. In his assessment, Russian forces are straightening the front while destroying Ukrainian units caught in encirclements.

He estimated that between 800 and 1,000 Ukrainian servicemen were already surrounded in Dobropolye and said Russian forces were continuing to strike the blocked grouping.

The analyst also focused on the Russian advance toward Alexandrovka. He argued that continued movement in this direction after the encirclement at Dobropolye could open a route toward Kramatorsk for Russian forces.

Earlier on September 22, the Russian Defense Ministry said units of the Center group of forces had completed the encirclement of a major Ukrainian defensive hub in Dobropolye and were continuing offensive operations toward Alexandrovka.

According to the ministry, units from Ukraine’s 4th and 15th National Guard brigades, along with the 425th Skala Assault Regiment, were caught inside the encirclement. The ministry said Russian troops were continuing operations against the blocked formations.