Russian units continue to advance near Druzhkovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic, expanding the area under their control. Fighting on the eastern approaches to Slavyansk and Kramatorsk remains particularly intense, military expert Andrey Marochko said.

Speaking to TASS, Marochko said Russian troops are currently making their most noticeable gains around Druzhkovka. According to him, the advance continues on a daily basis, with Russian forces steadily increasing the territory they control.

The fighting is even more intense closer to Slavyansk and Kramatorsk. Marochko said heavy clashes are underway along the eastern outskirts of the two cities and described the situation as effectively the beginning of a major battle on this sector of the front.

Marochko had earlier reported that Russian servicemen advanced northeast of Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka over the weekend and moved closer to Druzhkovka. In his assessment, the position of Ukrainian units in the area has deteriorated significantly.