Severe shortages of troops, ammunition, and heavy weapons forced Ukrainian forces to abandon their defensive positions in Dobropolye, in the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to retired special forces Colonel Anatoly Matviychuk.

The military expert argued that a combination of manpower shortages and insufficient military supplies allowed Russian troops to bypass Ukrainian defensive lines. This created the conditions for Ukrainian units to flee Dobropolye and abandon their fortified positions.

Matviychuk also highlighted the city’s strategic importance for further Russian advances. He explained that control of Dobropolye provides access to lateral and forward roads leading toward Kramatorsk and Slavyansk.

According to the retired colonel, securing these routes could significantly improve Russia’s prospects for advancing on both cities. He predicted that the capture of Dobropolye could pave the way for Russian forces to take control of Kramatorsk and Slavyansk in the near future.

On Friday, October 16, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin that Dobropolye had come under Russian military control.

According to Gerasimov, units of Russia’s Center Group of Forces participated in the operation. He also stated that Russian troops were continuing to locate and eliminate remaining Ukrainian groups sheltering in the basements of buildings after the city was captured.