World · Europe · 6 hrs ago
Putin visits command post as Russian general claims capture of Dobropillia
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a military command post on October 16 to discuss the war in Ukraine.
Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said Russian forces had taken control of Dobropillia, a city in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
He said Russian troops were searching for Ukrainian soldiers still sheltering in the city, and that fighting was continuing in nearby areas.
Putin called the reported capture significant and said it could open a route toward the borders of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic.
He also said Russian forces had taken about 6,500 square kilometres and 310 settlements since the start of the year; these are claims by Russian officials.
The meeting also covered military priorities for autumn and winter, including supplies for troops.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited an auxiliary command post on October 16, where Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said Russian forces had taken control of Dobropillia in Donetsk region.
Gerasimov said Russian troops were searching for Ukrainian personnel still sheltering in basements in the city.
Putin called the reported capture a notable event and congratulated the military.
The Kremlin account said Russian forces had taken control of 310 settlements and about 6,500 square kilometres of territory since the start of the year.
The reports relay Russian officials’ claims; they do not include a Ukrainian response.
- Who
- Vladimir Putin visited the command post; Valery Gerasimov briefed him.
- What
- Gerasimov claimed Russian forces had taken control of Dobropillia. Putin called it a notable event.
- When
- October 16, 2026.
- Where
- An auxiliary command post of the Joint Group of Forces. Its location is not stated.
- Why
- The meeting was to review the situation in the war and discuss military tasks and support for troops.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Putin said Russian forces had taken about 6,500 square kilometres of territory and 310 settlements.
Gerasimov said Russian forces had taken control of more than 1,800 square kilometres and 92 settlements.
Gerasimov said Russian forces had taken about 500 square kilometres and 23 settlements in Donetsk region.
Putin visited an auxiliary command post, where Gerasimov claimed Russian forces had taken control of Dobropillia.
- Reported capture
- Dobropillia, Donetsk region
- Reporting commander
- Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff
- Command post visit
- October 16, 2026
- Reported gains since start of year
- About 6,500 square kilometres and 310 settlements
- Russian units named in the report
- Centre group of forces
- ongoing search
- Ukrainian personnel reportedly sheltering in basements
4 sources
What people are saying
The troops of the Centre group have liberated the city of Dobropillia, one of the main defensive hubs of the enemy in the Dnipropetrovsk direction
The taking under control by the troops of the Centre group of the city of Dobropillia is a notable event
The capture of Dobropillia is an obvious success