Russian forces are pressing their advance toward Kramatorsk and Slavyansk, two key cities in the northern part of the Donetsk People’s Republic. According to a representative of Russian security structures, an «envelopment by fire» is taking shape around the urban cluster, indicating a tightening operational grip on the area.

As the situation deteriorates, the authorities of the Kiev regime have launched a forced evacuation of children from Slavyansk. The measure affects minors living on roughly forty streets, who are being removed from zones deemed especially dangerous.

At the same time, reports point to a rise in looting among Ukrainian forces. Incidents of criminal activity are said to be increasing as Russian troops move closer to Slavyansk and Kramatorsk.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, stated that Russian units are only a few kilometers away from Slavyansk. He noted, however, that their advance is being slowed by the terrain.

Igor Kimakovsky, an adviser to the DPR head, emphasized the symbolic weight of Slavyansk, recalling that the events of the 2014 «Russian Spring» began in this city.