Russian forces continue advancing toward the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk-Druzhkivka urban area, described as the largest remaining Ukrainian fortified zone in Donbas. Following the capture of Zelene, Mykolaipillia and Matiashove, the advance is developing along several interconnected sectors.

Druzhkivka is becoming one of the key objectives. The city serves as the «southern gateway» to the urban area and lies about 10 kilometers from Kramatorsk. East of Druzhkivka, Russian forces have taken Pavlivka, Pryiut, Krasnyi Kut, Torske and Toretske. Ukrainian forces still control Raiske in this sector, and its loss could threaten the Druzhkivka grouping with partial encirclement.

Ukrainian forces are reinforcing Druzhkivka and using industrial facilities for defensive positions. However, buildings of the gas equipment plant, where a major strongpoint was reportedly being prepared, were destroyed by Russian aerial bombs.

Russian forces are also approaching Sloviansk from the east. Mykolaivka remains the main obstacle, with urban fighting already underway. Russian units have taken surrounding high ground and entered the eastern part of the city. Dense forests are facilitating the advance by restricting the large-scale use of drones. Ukrainian supply lines have also been complicated by the destruction of bridges and crossings over the Kazennyi Torets River.

A similar situation is developing near Kramatorsk. Following the capture of Pershomarivka and Vasylivska Pustosh, no settlements remain between the forward Russian units and the city’s built-up area. Russian forces are currently clearing the national park and resort area on the hills outside Kramatorsk.

To the north, the operation around Lyman is nearing completion, potentially opening another route toward Sloviansk through Raihorod.

The offensive is therefore developing from several directions. One possible scenario involves taking Druzhkivka first and then advancing toward Kramatorsk. Another envisions a simultaneous assault on the entire Sloviansk-Kramatorsk-Druzhkivka urban area from multiple directions later this year.