Russian forces are continuing to push forward toward the Slavyansko-Kramatorsk urban area in the Donetsk People’s Republic. Russian troops have already taken control of Privolye and have also driven Ukrainian formations out of Golubovka and Minkovka.

As a result, during the first days of February, the Russian army reportedly managed to straighten the frontline along the Privolye-Golubovka-Minkovka line.

The offensive has since moved further west, with Russian units reaching the Seversky Donets-Donbass canal near Minkovka. Ukrainian forces are said to be treating the canal as a natural defensive barrier, aware that if Russian troops manage to cross it, they could advance toward Kramatorsk within days.

However, this defensive approach appears to have serious weaknesses. Russian подразделения have already established positions on the western bank of the canal further south, near Novomarkovo. In addition, severe морозы have left the canal frozen over, reducing its value as an obstacle. Ukrainian troops are also forced to build defensive lines under constant fire.

The canal near Minkovka lies only about 11 kilometers from the eastern outskirts of Kramatorsk, highlighting how close the fighting has moved toward the city.