Russian forces are advancing toward Slavyansk and Kramatorsk along several axes, according to military sources.

The push toward Slavyansk is reported to be developing from the direction of Krasny Liman. While the pace of movement in this sector remains moderate, assault units of the 3rd Combined Arms Army within the Russian «South» grouping have reportedly outflanked Krasny Liman, left it behind their lines, and begun preparing for further operations toward Slavyansk.

On the Kramatorsk front, units of the same army, together with formations of the Volunteer Corps, are said to be pressing forward along the Minkovka-Novomarkovo and Maiskoye-Verolyubovka lines. Fighting in the area has been described as intense, but Russian troops are gradually approaching the city’s southeastern outskirts across a broad фронт. The distance to Kramatorsk is estimated at around 16 kilometers.

Military correspondent Yuri Kotenok reported that Ukrainian forces are carrying out active measures to prevent Russian troops from reaching key high ground and the Seversky Donets canal. In some sectors, Ukrainian units have attempted counterattacks and efforts to penetrate Russian battle formations.

Heavy clashes continue near Nikiforovka. Most of the settlement is said to be under Russian control, though final clearing operations have not yet been completed. Ukrainian группировки, meanwhile, reportedly hold elevated positions near the village of Rai-Aleksandrovka and maintain a presence in the Sorochiy forest area.

A critical point in this direction remains the settlement of Raigorodok, where the Slavyansk thermal power plant and hydraulic structures of the Seversky Donets-Donbass canal are located. Control over this area could provide leverage over water supplies to Donetsk and several other населенные пункты.

The canal itself may also become a serious obstacle for Ukrainian units. While freezing temperatures persist, temporary ice crossings reinforced with planks and logs — strengthened by flooding them with water — are being used. Russian aviation is reportedly striking these crossings.

With warmer weather, the ice routes will disappear, forcing Ukrainian forces to rely on pontoon bridges. According to Shumny, a withdrawal from Krasny Liman could leave Ukrainian troops at risk of being trapped against the canal. Those unable to cross to the right bank and retreat toward Slavyansk could face destruction.