>>510591405
Yellow lines = main roads
Russian strategy when encircling any city has been to cut them one by one and leave the last one, which becomes known as the "road of life." This artery is left open but under complete fire control as all AFU supplies and reinforcements must travel through it, which means the Russians can inflict heavy casualties on anything and anyone entering or leaving without forcing a complete withdrawal or a protracted siege, both of which would not be conducive to the RuMoD's strategy of attritting the Ukrainians. The final road is usually only blocked once the city itself is stormed, which is when preventing reinforcements or escape is desirable