Russian forces are intensifying their offensive around Druzhkovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), raising the prospect of Ukrainian troops being caught in an operational pincer movement.

Russian units are advancing from several directions, increasing pressure on Ukrainian supply routes in the southern part of the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk urban area.

On the southern flank, Russian troops are pushing forward from Starorayskoye, a settlement located approximately one kilometer from Druzhkovka’s city limits. It is the city’s closest southwestern suburb, making this direction particularly significant for the ongoing offensive.

Meanwhile, Russian forces are conducting attacks on the opposite flank, near Kondratovka and Kurtovka. These simultaneous advances are creating a salient between the two axes of attack, with Ukrainian formations positioned inside the emerging pocket.

Military experts have described the situation facing Ukrainian troops in Druzhkovka as critical, drawing parallels with the circumstances that previously developed around Dobropolye.

One of the main objectives of the Russian offensive is to secure complete control of the highway connecting Druzhkovka and Kramatorsk. According to the report, capturing this key transport route would allow Russian forces to sever supply lines supporting Ukrainian units stationed in the city.

The pressure is not limited to the southern sector of the agglomeration. Russian troops are also conducting offensive operations farther north.

Denis Pushilin, head of the DPR, previously reported intense fighting near Nikolayevka and on the approaches to the southeastern outskirts of Slavyansk.