Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Russian Offensive in Donetsk Tests Ukraine’s New Military Command
Russia is moving closer to two important Ukrainian cities, Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
These cities help protect the remaining Ukrainian-held part of Donetsk.
Russia wants to capture all of the region, while Ukraine wants to keep it.
Ukraine has recently changed some of its military leaders.
The new commanders are experienced and are being asked to stop Russia’s slow advance.
Experts say the fighting could become especially intense in September and October.
Bad weather may make some Ukrainian drone defenses less effective, but analysts say Russia still faces difficulties.
Peace discussions restarted, but they have not yet produced an agreement.
Russian forces are advancing toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, key cities in Donetsk’s defensive belt.
Ukraine’s new top general, Mykhailo Drapatyi, faces his first major test leading the region’s defence.
Analysts expect intense fighting in September and October as Russia seeks to exploit worsening weather conditions.
Ukraine has appointed commanders Andrii Biletskyi, Denys Prokopenko and Emil Ishkulov to key defensive roles.
Peace contacts involving U.S. envoys resumed, but no breakthrough has emerged and Ukraine expects fighting through winter.
- Who
- Russian forces and Ukrainian troops, including commanders led by Mykhailo Drapatyi, are involved.
- What
- Russia is intensifying pressure toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk as Ukraine tests a new military command structure.
- When
- The developments were reported on September 8, with the heaviest fighting expected in September and October and potentially continuing through winter.
- Where
- The fighting is centered in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, particularly near Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Dobropillia and Lyman.
- Why
- Russia seeks to capture the rest of Donetsk, while Ukraine considers holding the region essential to its eastern defenses.
Ukraine and Its Supporters
Russia and Its Stated Objectives
Control of Donetsk
Ukraine and Its Supporters
Ukraine rejects demands to surrender the remaining 15%-20% of Donetsk and says holding the region is critical to its eastern defenses.
Russia and Its Stated Objectives
Russia is seeking to capture the rest of Donetsk, which would represent a major political and military victory for Vladimir Putin.
Military momentum
Ukraine and Its Supporters
Ukrainian officials and analysts point to a stable frontline, a failed Russian assault near Dobropillia and Ukrainian territorial gains in the southeast.
Russia and Its Stated Objectives
Putin says Russia is winning and that Ukrainian forces will eventually crumble; Russian forces continue moving gradually toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Command strategy
Ukraine and Its Supporters
Ukraine is giving more authority to respected operational commanders in an effort to create more cohesive defenses and limit losses.
Russia and Its Stated Objectives
Analysts say Russia may attempt new mechanized assaults as deteriorating weather reduces the effectiveness of drones.
- Main battlefield
- Eastern Donetsk region
- Key cities
- Sloviansk and Kramatorsk
- Russian distance
- Russian forces are reported to be less than 15 km from both cities.
- Ukraine’s new top general
- Mykhailo Drapatyi replaced Oleksandr Syrskyi in July.
- New defensive commanders
- Andrii Biletskyi, Denys Prokopenko and Emil Ishkulov
- Expected timing
- Analysts identified September and October as potentially the most intense months of fighting.
- Diplomatic contacts
- U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Kyiv, but no breakthrough was reported.