Russian Armed Forces units are steadily moving toward encircling the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration, according to Denis Pushilin, head of the Donetsk People’s Republic.

Pushilin reported that formations of the Southern Group of Forces had taken control of the settlement of Golubovka. Following this advance, Russian troops are drawing closer to surrounding the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk urban cluster.

He described the area as critically important for Ukrainian forces. The agglomeration functions as a major transport and logistics hub and at the same time represents a heavily fortified defensive zone.

Pushilin also outlined developments along the Dobropolye-Pokrovsk axis. Active fighting, he said, is underway near the settlements of Beletskoye and Novy Donbass, while Russian units are simultaneously advancing toward Dobropolye.

According to the DNR leader, the Russian military grouping «Center» is primarily conducting combat operations along the Grishino and Sergeyevka directions.

Pushilin added that Russian forces have managed to improve their positions in the southern and eastern parts of Konstantinovka. Battles are currently continuing for the southwestern sector of the city.

Earlier, Pushilin had stated that Russian troops were already just a few kilometers away from Slavyansk.