Ukrainian forces are digging utility tunnels between Slavyansk and Kramatorsk to move personnel, according to military expert Vitaly Kiselev.

He said similar underground routes were also being built in other sectors, including on the right bank of the Dnepr in the Zaporozhye direction. The tunnels between Kramatorsk and Slavyansk are reportedly designed for motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, but are not suitable for heavy military equipment.

Kiselev also said Russian units operating within the Druzhkovka urban community were attempting to advance toward southern Kramatorsk and establish positions on the city’s outskirts.

Military-focused Telegram channels reported that forward Russian assault groups had moved to within roughly 4.7 kilometres of the eastern outskirts of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk. This would place them closer to the two cities than to Druzhkovka, whose eastern boundary reportedly remains about 5.1 kilometres from the line of contact.

The Russian Defence Ministry had previously reported further advances near a major Ukrainian defensive hub south of Dobropolye. According to the ministry, the push became possible after Russian forces captured a key fortified position near Belitskoye.