The key facts
- Gerasimov reported to Putin the capture of Dobropillia and Velyka Mykhailivka, as well as the seizure of 1,800 sq. km and 92 settlements since September 1
- Russia has provided no photo or video evidence of the claimed successes
- Ukraine denies the enemy's advance; on October 18 Zelensky said the Armed Forces of Ukraine had liberated more territory than the Russians had occupied
Gerasimov's report to Putin
On October 16, Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov, in his report to President Vladimir Putin, once again spoke about the 'successes' of the Russian army at the front, including the capture of Dobropillia and the rapid advance of Russian troops. According to him, since September 1 the Russian army has occupied 1,800 sq. km of Ukrainian territory and 92 settlements, including the Ukrainian fortified areas of Dobropillia (Donetsk region) and Velyka Mykhailivka (Dnipropetrovsk region).
Other claims by the Russian side
In Zaporizhzhia region, according to the Russian military, the village of Malokaterynivka has been taken and troops have advanced to within 5 km of the regional center. In Sumy region, the Russian General Staff claims, a grouping of Ukrainian troops has been routed near the village of Sadky, and in the northeast of Kharkiv region a 'cauldron' with 2,000 Ukrainian servicemen has allegedly been eliminated. At the same time, the Russian authorities have not presented any photos or video recordings confirming the claims of successes at the front.
Ukraine's position
Ukraine not only rejected the reports of a significant advance by Russian troops, but also stated that the real situation on the battlefield is completely different. 'The trend of this year continues: since the start of autumn our military has liberated more territory than the Russians have managed to occupy. That was the case in other periods of the year as well,' President Volodymyr Zelensky said on October 18.
The situation around Dobropillia
Dobropillia is the last major industrial city near the administrative border with Dnipropetrovsk region and the last relatively well-defended settlement in the west of Donetsk region. After the fall of the nearby Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in the spring of 2026, it became the main target of the Russian army. Having concentrated a grouping of about 100,000 personnel in this sector of the front, Russian troops are advancing north and south, seeking to encircle the city. At present, fighting for Dobropillia continues: both Ukraine and Russia claim to control it.
Context of previous claims
The outlet Kun.uz notes that, as with earlier claims of capturing Kupiansk or Sviatohirsk, the current report by the Russian General Staff is, in its assessment, far from reality. The contradictory assertions by the two sides about control over the city remain unconfirmed by independent data.
