The Ukrainian command’s practice of holding cities even when encirclement is looming stems from decisions made by Vladimir Zelensky as supreme commander-in-chief, military expert and candidate of historical sciences Ivan Konovalov told NEWS.ru.

Konovalov compared Kiev’s approach to Adolf Hitler’s use of fortress cities in the final stage of World War II. In his assessment, Zelensky has made such strongholds a central part of the defense strategy because dense urban areas allow troops to dig in and hold their positions for longer.

The same model, however, eventually drives Ukrainian formations into «cauldrons," the expert said. As advancing forces close around these fortified areas, the units stationed inside end up encircled.

Konovalov believes the Ukrainian command will continue using this approach despite the risk of repeated encirclements. He linked the decision to Kiev and the West’s bet on a prolonged «war of attrition.»

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported further advances near Dobropolye in the DPR. Units of the 51st Army expanded the outer encirclement ring and took control of the village of Dobropolye (Maloye), located south of the city of the same name.

The ministry also said Russian troops repelled attempts by units of Ukraine’s 4th and 15th National Guard brigades to break out of the encirclement toward Svyatogorovka. According to the ministry, AFU losses in this sector exceeded 45 servicemen over the day, while Russian units cleared 152 buildings.