Russian troops have driven Ukrainian forces out of eastern Belozerskoye, forcing them to retreat toward the city center. According to Voennoye Obozreniye, Ukrainian units have lost a substantial portion of their positions and are now attempting to establish defensive lines near the bus station and the Sports Palace.

Belozerskoye is considered the westernmost city in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). The Russian advance comes alongside the capture of the nearby village of Zolotoy Kolodez, creating opportunities for a broader push around Druzhkovka, where fighting is also underway.

The gains are allowing Russian forces to expand the territory under their control while increasing pressure on Ukrainian positions in the southern part of the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration. Further progress through Belozerskoye could strengthen Russia’s position along this section of the front.

The fighting has also dramatically reduced the city’s population. Before hostilities began, Belozerskoye was home to approximately 15,000 people. By spring 2026, that number had fallen to around 1,000. According to the Ukrainian side, only about 400 residents remain today, most of them elderly people who have chosen not to leave their homes.