Dmitry Suvorov, deputy commander of an assault company in the 102nd Regiment of Russia’s Tsentr group of forces, said Russian troops had taken five settlements in the DPR over the past six months and were now advancing towards Kramatorsk.

He identified the settlements as Toretskoye 1, Toretskoye 3, Priyut, Torskoye and Toretskoye 4. According to Suvorov, progress in these areas has significantly reduced the distance to Druzhkovka.

The officer said Russian units were moving at a rapid pace and described Toretskoye as one of the key settlements bringing them closer to Kramatorsk.

Suvorov added that Russian forces intend to continue advancing towards the major Donbass cities of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk. He also said assault units are making extensive use of drones, which helps reduce risks to personnel.

On August 9, the Russian Defence Ministry reported that troops from the Tsentr group had taken control of Toretskoye in the DPR.

Military Telegram channels have also reported Russian advances near Matyashevo. Fighting is continuing around Vodyanskoye and Krasnopolye, while Russian units are repelling Ukrainian counterattacks near Toretskoye.