Belousov congratulates brigades on taking Dobropolye and three other settlements
In short
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov congratulated brigades and a marine regiment on the capture of Dobropolye in the Donetsk People's Republic, the Russian Defence Ministry said on 16 October. Interfax reported that congratulations also went to units that took Alexeyevo-Druzhkovka, Sergeyevka and Velikomikhailovka.
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Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov congratulated the command and personnel of motorised rifle brigades and a marine regiment on the capture of Dobropolye in the Donetsk People's Republic, RIA Novosti reported on 16 October, citing the Russian Defence Ministry. TASS headlined its own report with Belousov's statement that the liberation of Dobropolye would become a symbol of the courage of Russian servicemen. [ 1 , 2 ]
According to the ministry as quoted by RIA Novosti and Interfax, Belousov said: 'In the course of the special military operation the formations are carrying out combat tasks in the most difficult sectors. In stubborn fighting the servicemen of the units, showing examples of courage and valour, are decisively defeating the enemy on Donetsk land.' RIA Novosti added that he thanked the servicemen for their loyalty to military duty and the oath, and expressed confidence that they would continue to carry out their tasks with honour, defend national interests and ensure security. [ 2 , 3 ]
Interfax reported that the Defence Ministry announced similar congratulations to units that took three other settlements: Alexeyevo-Druzhkovka and Sergeyevka in the Donetsk People's Republic, and Velikomikhailovka in the Dnipropetrovsk region. In the telegram on Alexeyevo-Druzhkovka, Belousov said the formations were advancing confidently on the Alexandro-Kalinovo axis. In the message on Sergeyevka he said the enemy had again suffered substantial losses and defeat on the battlefield. [ 3 ]
Interfax also reported that, earlier on Friday, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov had told President Vladimir Putin of the capture of Dobropolye, Alexeyevo-Druzhkovka, Sergeyevka and Velikomikhailovka. The documents give no independent confirmation of the claims and no response from Ukraine. [ 3 ]
Why it matters
The documents are Russian official and business-wire reports of a Defence Ministry announcement. They give no independent account of the situation on the ground.
Key facts
- Belousov congratulated the command and personnel of motorised rifle brigades and a marine regiment on taking Dobropolye in the Donetsk People's Republic. [ 2 ]
- Interfax reported that Belousov also congratulated brigades that took Alexeyevo-Druzhkovka and Sergeyevka in the Donetsk People's Republic, and Velikomikhailovka in the Dnipropetrovsk region. [ 3 ]
- The Defence Ministry reported the congratulatory telegrams on Friday 16 October, Interfax said. [ 3 ]
- Earlier on Friday, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported the capture of the four settlements to President Vladimir Putin, Interfax reported. [ 3 ]
- Belousov said in his message that the units had shown courage and valour and were 'decisively defeating the enemy on Donetsk land'. [ 2 , 3 ]
- TASS headlined its report with Belousov's statement that the liberation of Dobropolye would become a symbol of the courage of Russian servicemen. [ 1 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether the four settlements are under Russian control. The claims come from the Russian Defence Ministry and General Staff as relayed by Russian outlets; the documents contain no independent confirmation or Ukrainian account.
- The full text of Belousov's remarks to TASS about Dobropolye. The TASS item is available only as a headline, with no article text.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- TASS published a report headlined with Belousov's statement on the liberation of Dobropolye. [ 1 ]
- RIA Novosti reported that Belousov congratulated the units that took Dobropolye. [ 2 ]
- Interfax reported congratulations to brigades that took Dobropolye, Alexeyevo-Druzhkovka, Sergeyevka and Velikomikhailovka. [ 3 ]