The distance between Russian Armed Forces positions and Kramatorsk has narrowed to just 15 kilometers in several sectors, a source within Russian security agencies told TASS.

According to the source, in certain areas the gap between Russian lines and the city does not exceed 15 km. Ukrainian units stationed in Kramatorsk are already under fire, with both rocket systems and conventional tube artillery striking their positions.

Earlier reports indicated that Russian forces had advanced along the highway toward Slavyansk. The push toward one of the region’s key urban centers followed the establishment of control over Privolye, which opened the way for further movement in that direction.

The timeline for potential fighting over Slavyansk and Kramatorsk remains uncertain. Military expert and air defense historian Yuri Knutov believes the confrontation for these cities could stretch on for at least a year. In his assessment, the pace of the offensive in the coming months will depend heavily on weather conditions and the tactical decisions made by the command.