18:02 28-04-2026

Donbass Could Fall Under Russian Control by Summer 2026

Donbass may come under Russian control by summer 2026, with advances toward Kramatorsk and Slavyansk and reported Ukrainian troop withdrawals.

Donbass could come fully under the control of Russian forces by the end of summer 2026, according to a forecast by Alexander Artamonov, a professor at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry and a military analyst.

He argued that the remaining ключевые targets for Russian troops are Kramatorsk and Slavyansk, with further advances expected to pass through Konstantinovka and Ray-Aleksandrovka.

Artamonov suggested that beyond these points, the terrain would shift to sparsely populated and marshy areas, which could shape the pace and direction of operations.

In his assessment, once Russian forces secure positions in Konstantinovka and move along the Sukhaya River, they would be able to reach Ray-Aleksandrovka. Control over this settlement, he said, would allow the deployment of artillery on elevated ground, enabling strikes on Slavyansk.

He also noted that Ukrainian command has already begun withdrawing forces from the city.