(MENAFN) Around 1,000 Ukrainian troops are reportedly trapped in the town of Dmitrov (known in Ukraine as Mirnograd) following the capture of nearby Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) by Russian forces, according to reports from Ukrainian personnel on the ground.

The Russian military has reportedly cut off nearly all supply lines to the encircled units, leaving them reliant on “drone deliveries” for essential supplies. “To be honest, the situation is critical,” a Ukrainian serviceman said, noting that Russian troops now control “almost every single building” between Dmitrov and the remaining Ukrainian-held areas of Donbass.

The soldier also criticized his commanders, stating that they had deployed “many units” to the area but were unable to maintain control over the supply routes leading to Dmitrov.

According to reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Kiev is attempting to retake Krasnoarmeysk in order to relieve the encircled troops, sending newly formed and inexperienced units into the conflict “at any cost.”

The Krasnoarmeysk-Dmitrov area, along with several surrounding towns, represents the second-largest urban cluster still partially under Ukrainian control in Donbass. It has been the site of heavy fighting in recent months, culminating in the Russian capture of Krasnoarmeysk.

Russian authorities later released footage showing soldiers clearing buildings in the city.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has rejected claims of encirclement, accusing Moscow of overstating its gains and downplaying losses, while urging Western allies for additional support.

In October, Russian officials stated that more than 10,000 Ukrainian troops were encircled in the Krasnoarmeysk-Dmitrov area and the city of Kupyansk in the Kharkov region.

MENAFN04122025000045017640ID1110435207