Kramatorsk and Slovyansk Under Daily Russian Bombs as Donbas Fortress Belt Crumbles

Russian forces have dramatically intensified their assault on Kramatorsk and Slovyansk, the last major cities still under full Ukrainian control in the eastern Donbas region. Ukrainian police and military officials are urging residents to leave, warning that security conditions have reached a critical threshold.

From Weekly to Daily Attacks

"It used to be hit by glide bombs roughly once a week, but now it's almost every day," said Pavlo Dyachenko of Donetsk police, describing conditions in Slovyansk. Forced evacuations of families with children have already begun. "This is the only way to save your life," Dyachenko said.

Rising Toll of Destruction

Civilian casualties climbed from 70 wounded in June to 212 in August. Deaths stood at 16 in June, 20 in July, and 15 in August. Glide bombs launched rose from 40 in June to 109 in July, before settling at 92 in August. In a single morning on 25 August, nine glide bombs targeted Kramatorsk - seven struck residential apartment blocks, wounding 24 people.

Ukraine's Fortress Belt Under Threat

Kramatorsk, Slovyansk, and Kostyantynivka form Ukraine's "fortress belt" - a chain of reinforced positions in the east. Kostyantynivka now has only a minimal Ukrainian troop presence and Russia claims full control. Russia already controls nearly all of Luhansk region and approximately 80% of Donetsk region. Capturing the remaining cities would significantly ease Russian advances westward.

Life Under Drone Fire

Key streets in both cities are draped with anti-drone netting. "There are often FPV drones in the air, you can hear them through the window. Driving around the city is lethally dangerous," said Viktor Makurin, a British-based volunteer. "You can always hear explosions in the background, plus there are mobile groups firing at drones."