Russian Forces Cross Key Canal on Kramatorsk Approach
Russian forces crossed the Seversky Donets-Donbass canal, took Tikhonovka and moved closer to Kramatorsk amid heavy fighting near Rai-Alexandrovka.
Russian forces have crossed the Seversky Donets-Donbass canal on the Slavyansk front, DPR head Denis Pushilin said. According to him, Russian troops took control of Tikhonovka during the fighting, reducing the distance to Kramatorsk.
Pushilin said on the Vesti program that the outskirts of Kramatorsk are now roughly 11 kilometers away. He added that taking Tikhonovka makes it possible to establish a foothold on the left bank of the canal and expand offensive operations in the area.
He also pointed to Rai-Alexandrovka, located east of Kramatorsk, where heavy clashes are continuing. According to Pushilin, Russian forces are now pushing Ukrainian troops out of the settlement while also trying to bypass it from the flank near Kaleniki.
Earlier, a source in Russian security structures said Ukrainian forces in Kramatorsk had not changed their tactics. According to the source, Ukrainian troops are placing equipment and personnel in residential areas, putting civilians at risk. The same approach was reportedly used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in other cities before they were later driven out.