The Russian Defense Ministry falsely claimed that its forces have encircled Dobropillya in Donetsk Oblast, offering zero evidence to back up the statement, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on September 22.
ISW analysts posited that these announcements are part of the Kremlin’s cognitive warfare campaign alleging encirclements across various sectors of the frontline to falsely present Ukrainian defenses as collapsing.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on September 22 that the Russian Central Grouping of Forces encircled Dobropillya and were advancing toward Oleksandrivka northwest of the city. The statement notably “did not include a map or any evidence to support these false claims.”
ISW stated it had observed no evidence to support the Russian encirclement claims, adding that the narrative is incompatible with recent Ukrainian statements.
The chief of staff of a Ukrainian artillery reconnaissance battalion stated on September 22 that Russian forces have not made major advances near Dobropillya. He added that the Russian military command frequently postpones its own deadlines due to heavy personnel casualties and inconsistencies between its plans and the battlefield realities.
Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets stated on September 20 that Ukrainian forces maintain positions south and northeast of Dobropillya.
In an earlier assessment on September 17, ISW analysts reported that Russian forces are transferring armor and drone support...
The Russian Defense Ministry falsely claimed that its forces have encircled Dobropillya in Donetsk Oblast, offering zero evidence to back up the statement, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW)...