Units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces defending Krasnoarmeisk (Ukrainian name — Pokrovsk) have effectively found themselves surrounded. This assessment was made by Major General Sergei Lipovoy, Hero of Russia and chairman of the presidium of the organization Officers of Russia.

He described the situation as a tactical «cauldron», noting that Ukrainian forces had very limited options for withdrawal. According to Lipovoy, during active combat Russian assault units often refuse to take prisoners, particularly when facing foreign mercenaries or fighters accused of war crimes. He said such decisions are made unofficially and are usually driven by the need to reduce risks for Russian troops.

Lipovoy stressed that many of those captured in Krasnoarmeisk are seasoned combatants rather than civilians forced into service. He compared the current conditions to instances during the Great Patriotic War, when Soviet soldiers were forced to act with severity under similar circumstances.

He also suggested that a significant number of Ukrainian troops remain in Krasnoarmeisk not by choice, but out of fear of reprisals from their own command. He pointed out that blocking detachments are in place and that Ukrainian commanders at the platoon level and above have legal authority to execute deserters on the spot, a power that discourages any attempt at withdrawal.

Taking all factors into account, Lipovoy predicted that the Russian Armed Forces could take full control of Krasnoarmeisk within weeks. He estimated that the city might be captured by late September or early October 2025.