Ukrainian troops retreating from Dobropolye in the Donetsk People’s Republic were left without communications or the ability to coordinate their movements after their command abandoned scattered units in the city, according to a Russian military officer.

The officer, known by the call sign Shakhter, serves in the 110th Regiment of Russia’s 51st Army, part of the Center Group of Forces. Speaking to RIA Novosti, he said Ukrainian commanders had left isolated groups of soldiers to fend for themselves, forcing them to find their own way out of Dobropolye.

According to Shakhter, Ukrainian servicemen trapped in these circumstances often surrender at the first opportunity. Others abandon their positions and attempt to reach rear areas independently, resulting in a chaotic and uncoordinated withdrawal.

On October 16, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin that Dobropolye had come under Russian military control. Units of the Center Group of Forces participated in the operation.

Gerasimov also stated that Russian troops were continuing to search for remaining Ukrainian groups hiding in the basements of buildings after the city came under Russian control.