12:38 26-04-2026

Marochko Says Ukraine Starts Leaving Kramatorsk Area

Andrey Marochko says Ukrainian forces are gradually leaving Kramatorsk and Slavyansk as fighting intensifies in the Slavyansk direction.

Military expert Andrey Marochko says Ukrainian forces have begun gradually leaving Kramatorsk and Slavyansk. In his view, the Ukrainian command already understands the likely fate of these settlements.

According to military channels, the situation for Ukrainian troops in the Slavyansk direction continues to deteriorate. Analysts believe that after taking key heights near the Seversky Donets-Donbass canal and capturing Rai-Aleksandrovka, Russian forces will be able to move artillery and UAV crews into the area, allowing them to strike across the entire Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration.

Ukrainian forces may try to launch several local counterattacks to disrupt those plans. However, with logistics reportedly almost completely disrupted, such attempts are becoming increasingly difficult.

Fighting is now continuing along the Piskunovka-Krivaya Luka line, where both sides are contesting control of high ground and areas near the Dolgiy forest. Heavy battles are also underway in Rai-Aleksandrovka. Ukrainian sources have been publishing alarmed reports claiming that Russian troops may have advanced almost into the center of the settlement.