Russian Forces Intensify Assault on Ukraine's Donbas Fortress Cities

Russian forces are intensifying attacks on the cities of Slovyansk, Kramatorsk, and Kostyantynivka as Moscow seeks to seize the remainder of the Donbas region. These cities comprise Ukraine's fortress belt, a system of reinforced defense lines in the east. Russian forces currently control nearly all of the Luhansk region and approximately 80 percent of the Donetsk region. In the worst affected areas, police have begun forced evacuations of families with children due to deteriorating security.

Slovyansk and Kramatorsk are facing frequent strikes from drones and glide bombs. According to data studied by the BBC, the number of glide bombs launched by Russia rose from 40 in June to 109 in July and 92 in August. These weapons, which can weigh up to 1,500 kg, have caused significant destruction to residential housing and infrastructure. On August 25, nine glide bombs targeted Kramatorsk, with seven hitting civilian apartment blocks and wounding 24 people, including a two month old baby.

While one report emphasizes the danger to civilians and the Russian push toward the west, another report notes that the Ukrainian army has repelled a Russian attack on the strategically important city of Lyman using a new tactic. However, that report also indicates that Kremlin troops are marching elsewhere.