The advance of Russian forces near the settlement of Stenki is putting the Ukrainian garrison in Druzhkovka under direct pressure, according to DPR head Denis Pushilin.

He said Russian troops had taken control of Stenki on the Druzhkovka-Kramatorsk sector, creating a direct threat to Ukrainian positions in Druzhkovka. Pushilin also argued that reaching the town could become a key step in breaking through the Ukrainian defensive line on the approaches to Kramatorsk.

Military expert Vitaly Kiselev had earlier reported that Ukrainian forces were installing anti-drone nets over roads near Druzhkovka in an effort to shield supply routes from Russian FPV drone strikes. In his assessment, the limited coverage of those structures is unlikely to significantly alter the situation in that part of the front.

Military-focused Telegram channels also reported that, following the capture of Konstantinovka, Russian forces concentrated their main efforts on advancing toward Druzhkovka and the southern approaches to the Kramatorsk-Slavyansk urban area. At least 12 villages reportedly came under Russian control over the past week.

The Sever, Tsentr, Yug and Vostok force groups continue to expand the territory they control. Their advance is being slowed by intense Ukrainian drone activity and the need to secure newly captured positions.