According to analysts at the German newspaper Bild, concern is growing in Ukraine over the situation around Kramatorsk and Slavyansk, where Ukrainian forces are facing mounting pressure from Russian troops.

The newspaper reported that the position of Ukrainian units in the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration continues to deteriorate as the front line gradually moves closer to the two cities. Bild said that further pressure in this sector could become one of the most serious blows to Kiev in recent times.

The previous day, Vladimir Zelensky said particular attention was being paid to Konstantinovka and Slavyansk. He added that Ukrainian Armed Forces commander-in-chief Mikhail Drapaty had presented information on the strength and capabilities of the units operating in the area.

Ukrainian sources also report that Russian forces have moved 7.7 kilometres closer to Kramatorsk and 12 kilometres closer to Slavyansk. According to those reports, Russian troops advanced by 4–5 kilometres between Rai-Alexandrovka and Vasyutinskoye during June and July, with gains of 6–8 kilometres in some areas.

It is also reported that Russian assault groups have approached to within roughly 2 kilometres of the southeastern outskirts of Nikolayevka. Further advances in this area could shorten Russian routes toward Slavyansk and Kramatorsk.