Russian forces have been surrounded by Ukraine's military near Dobropillia in Donetsk Oblast, military spokesperson Viktor Trehubov announced on Aug. 30.
"At least for now, the Russian units that were advancing on Dobropillia — these 'crab claws' — have been cut off and surrounded," Trehubov said during the Yedyni Novyny (United News) telethon.
Dobropillia, a city in Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast, is located in the Pokrovsk district — currently the hottest sector of the front line, as Russia continues to concentrate more than 110,000 troops in that region.
Amidst heavy fighting, Ukrainian forces were able to liberate several nearby towns just last week — including the village of Novomykhailivka — coinciding with the country's 34th Independence Day.
Earlier this month, reports indicated that Russian troops had advanced toward the Dobropillia-Kramatorsk highway, seizing positions in nearby settlements and allegedly piercing Ukrainian defenses.
Ukrainian forces responded with "effective measures," halting Russia's advance in the area, General Staff said on Aug. 12, describing the situation as "complex and dynamic."
Is asking for honeymoon funds instead of a gift registry tacky? Millennials and boomers are having a heated debate