The situation in the directions of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk in Donetsk Oblast has further deteriorated as Russian forces continue to increase pressure in the area.

Axar.az reports, Ukrainian media, citing spokesperson of the 11th Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Dmytro Zaporozhets, around 80,000 Russian troops have been concentrated in the Sloviansk and Kramatorsk directions.

He said intelligence indicates that Russian forces are reinforcing logistics and transferring reserves to the area following Ukrainian withdrawals from nearby positions, with plans to intensify offensive operations in both sectors.

Zaporozhets also noted that Russian forces are preparing personnel for further assaults toward Kramatorsk and are attempting to advance in several nearby settlements.

He added that although Russian forces are unable to operate freely in certain areas such as Chasiv Yar, they continue attempts to move between positions, and the level of pressure remains significant across the wider front line.