World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Ukraine’s defense of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk faces a Russian push
Russian forces are pushing toward Kramatorsk and Sloviansk in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, a key urban area in the battle for Donbas.
Ukraine has assigned two operational groups to defend the cities and their approaches.
Former Azov commanders Andriy Biletsky and Denys Prokopenko lead those groups, with Biletsky responsible for Sloviansk and Prokopenko for the approaches to Kramatorsk.
Biletsky’s troops say they pushed Russian forces back across the Siverskyi Donets, while Prokopenko’s sector is facing a new Russian breakthrough.
Russian troops have cut the road from Dobropillia to Kramatorsk and are advancing toward the cities from several directions.
Control of some settlements, including Zolotyi Kolodiaz, remains disputed, and Russia’s claim to have captured Dobropillia is not confirmed by the account of fighting on the ground.
The defense of these cities could shape the battle for Donbas, but the available information gives no clear outcome or next step.
Russian forces are advancing toward the Kramatorsk-Sloviansk urban area, where Ukraine is trying to hold its defensive lines.
Ukraine has formed two operational groupings, led by former Azov commanders Andriy Biletsky and Denys Prokopenko, to defend Sloviansk and the approaches to Kramatorsk.
Meduza reports that Russian troops have cut the Dobropillia-Kramatorsk road and are pressing toward Kramatorsk from several directions.
The control of Zolotyi Kolodiaz is unclear, as both sides have released videos claiming to show their forces there.
A Russian military expert told TASS that Ukraine is deploying more forces and weapons near Sloviansk and Kramatorsk and is suffering heavy losses.
- Who
- Ukrainian forces, led in the area by Andriy Biletsky and Denys Prokopenko, are defending against Russian forces.
- What
- Russia is pushing toward Kramatorsk and Sloviansk as Ukraine tries to hold the urban area.
- When
- The reports were published on October 22, 2026. Meduza also describes a Ukrainian counterattack in August 2025.
- Where
- The approaches to Kramatorsk and Sloviansk in Donetsk, including the area around Dobropillia.
- Why
- The fighting concerns control of the Kramatorsk-Sloviansk urban area and is described by Meduza as pivotal to the battle for Donbas.
Ukrainian command and forces
Russian forces and the Russian military expert cited by TASS
Military situation
Ukrainian command and forces
Meduza reports Russian troops have cut the Dobropillia-Kramatorsk road and are advancing toward Kramatorsk.
Russian forces and the Russian military expert cited by TASS
Andrey Marochko says Ukraine is deploying fresh forces and weapons near Sloviansk and Kramatorsk while sustaining huge losses.
Control of Zolotyi Kolodiaz
Ukrainian command and forces
Meduza says both sides have published videos claiming control, leaving it unclear who holds the village.
Russian forces and the Russian military expert cited by TASS
Russian forces have retaken part of the village, according to Meduza, but the competing videos leave control uncertain.
A Ukrainian counterattack halted a Russian breakthrough around Kucheriv Yar and Zolotyi Kolodiaz, according to Meduza.
Meduza reported Russian advances toward Kramatorsk and Sloviansk and described Ukraine’s defensive groupings.
Andrey Marochko told TASS that Ukraine was deploying additional forces near Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
- Ukrainian grouping for Sloviansk
- Center,” commanded by Andriy Biletsky
- Ukrainian grouping near Kramatorsk
- Azov grouping, commanded by Denys Prokopenko
- Cut road
- Dobropillia-Kramatorsk
- Contested village
- Zolotyi Kolodiaz
- Additional Ukrainian deployment reported by TASS
- Near Malotaranovka and Nikolayevka
3 sources
What people are saying
As for the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration, we see permanent deployment of fresh forces and weapons: the Ukrainian command regularly makes up for its losses.
In an attempt to retain control of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, the Ukrainian command is sparing no troops or equipment and is sustaining huge losses in this agglomeration.