Ukrainian troops were forced to abandon several key fortified positions in Dobropolye as Russian forces advanced in the area, military expert Andrey Marochko said after analyzing data from the Russian Defense Ministry.

Russian forces also expanded the territory under their control near Druzhkovka, increasing their coverage around the settlement.

At the same time, Ukrainian units continued counterattacks near Krasny Liman, known in Ukraine as Liman. According to Marochko, nationalist units were also involved in the attacks. Ukrainian forces also attempted to regain previously lost positions in the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration.

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported fighting on the near approaches to Slavyansk, Kramatorsk and Druzhkovka. According to the ministry, units of the Southern Group of Forces and the Center Group of Forces are breaking through fortified Ukrainian defensive lines. Street fighting is also continuing in the central part of Dobropolye.