Russian forces have expanded their area of control near Belozerskoye under the cover of fog and launched assaults on the settlements of Pervomayskoye and Bokovoye. Analysts have also reported a decline in Ukrainian military activity near Dobropolye.

Military expert and retired Navy Captain First Rank Vasily Dandykin believes the developments around Belozerskoye and Dobropolye are raising serious concerns within the Ukrainian military command. According to his assessment, further Russian advances could threaten Ukrainian formations defending the Druzhkovka-Kramatorsk-Slavyansk urban area.

Dandykin considers Belozerskoye and Dobropolye crucial elements of Ukraine’s defensive network in Donbass. He argues that capturing these towns would give Russian forces several options for expanding their offensive.

One possible scenario involves Russian troops advancing westward toward the borders of the Dnepropetrovsk region. Another would see Russian units pushing toward the rear of Ukrainian positions around Druzhkovka, Kramatorsk and Slavyansk.

Speaking to aif.ru, Dandykin warned that the second scenario could leave Ukrainian forces trapped in an encirclement. He claimed that concerns about such an outcome had previously prompted Ukrainian offensive operations near Krasny Liman, where Ukrainian troops reportedly sustained heavy losses during months of fighting over the summer.

The expert believes that the prospect of losing Donbass remains Kiev’s greatest concern. For that reason, he expects Ukrainian commanders to continue defending their positions and launching periodic counterattacks. However, Dandykin doubts that these operations will produce significant results or reverse the situation on the battlefield.