Russia fabricates Dobropillia encirclement to strengthen its case for Kyiv’s capitulation at UN – ISW
Ukrainian officers describe active fighting around the Donetsk Oblast transport hub.
On September 22, 2026, Russia's Defense Ministry declared it had encircled Dobropillia, but the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) could not substantiate this claim. Dobropillia, a coal-rich town located in Donetsk Oblast, is considered a symbolic stronghold in Ukraine's "Fortress Belt," which has resisted Russian advances since 2014.
Ukraine's Vivaldi counteroffensive in Donetsk Oblast thwarted Russia's northern encirclement efforts. ISW contends that Russia's Dobropillia assertion aims to deflect attention from this setback, painting Ukrainian defenses as crumbling during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, held from September 21-28.
While Ukrainian officers allege Russian forces are attempting to breach Dobropillia, they have not achieved significant progress. Russia's encirclement claim conflicts with Ukrainian battlefield reports, which indicate Ukrainian troops maintain control over areas south and northeast of the city.
A Ukrainian artillery reconnaissance battalion chief of staff stated on September 22 that Russia had no major advances near Dobropillia, citing heavy losses and mismatched plans with battlefield conditions. A Ukrainian battalion officer also reported that Russian troops were attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian lines in small groups.
Dobropillia's strategic importance lies in its role as a transport hub for Ukraine's "Fortress Belt," which comprises Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk. These cities have been key to Ukraine's defense in Donetsk Oblast since 2022. Andrii Biletskyi, commander of Ukraine's Third Army Corps, explained that Russian forces advancing through Dobropillia intended to join another force from north of Lyman, encircling the fortified cities rather than attacking them directly.
Since September 15, Russia has intensified its assaults on Dobropillia, with Ukrainian staff sergeant Dmytro Davydenko reporting a surge in assault groups, sometimes overwhelming his unit's capacity. Ukrainian troops have mined, blocked, or destroyed the main approaches to the city. ISW reported that Russia is preparing armor and drone support for potential assaults using armored vehicles this fall, though fog may aid Russia in moving such equipment.
A Ukrainian battalion officer noted that Russian glide bombs have continued to target infrastructure in the area.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
