Ukrainian serviceman Oleg Khristenko, who was captured by Russian forces in Dimitrov in the Donetsk People’s Republic, said the town is effectively encircled and that Ukrainian troops sent there have no viable routes of withdrawal.

According to Khristenko, the situation in Dimitrov is marked by heavy losses and constant drone activity, particularly FPV drones. He said personnel are being dispatched to frontline positions despite the risks, and those who go there either end up killed or taken prisoner. In his account, he urged fellow soldiers to surrender, arguing that the town is surrounded and escape is no longer possible. These remarks were included in a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry.

Khristenko also explained that he joined the Ukrainian army voluntarily for financial reasons. He said he needed money to cover rent, pay alimony, and settle outstanding debts. His combat training, he claimed, lasted only a week.

During fighting on one sector of the front, Khristenko was wounded. After that, he and three other servicemen decided to abandon their positions. He said they hid in a nearby basement, where they found civilian clothing and changed into it. The group remained in hiding for some time until they heard Russian troops approaching. At that point, they decided to surrender.

Earlier, Russian Chief of the General Staff, Army General Valery Gerasimov, reported that roughly half of Dimitrov is already under the control of Russian forces.