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Ukraine's Fortress Cities Face Russian Bombardment as Donbas Battle Intensifies
Confirmed
In Short: As Russia intensifies its bombardment of Ukraine's eastern cities, civilians are being urged to flee to avoid the deadly attacks.
The Russian military has been using these bombs, which can weigh up to 1,500 kg, to target Ukrainian positions. "There aren't just battles for Donbas," said an unnamed Ukrainian general, emphasizing the broader strategic importance of the region. "If you take Slovyansk, it used to be hit by glide bombs roughly once a week, but now it's almost every day," noted a local resident, describing the daily dangers faced by civilians.
Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, two of the largest cities still under Ukrainian control, are part of what is known as Ukraine's "fortress belt." These cities are now facing almost daily attacks, with Russian forces aiming to capture the region. The Russian army already controls almost all of Luhansk region and has taken control of nearly 80% of Donetsk region, where these cities lie.
The situation is particularly dire in Kostyantynivka, which has seen a significant reduction in Ukrainian troop presence. "The full capture of Donbas is a key objective for Russia," said the BBC, noting that capturing these cities would make it easier for Russian forces to advance westward. As a result, local authorities are urging civilians to evacuate the area to avoid the deadly attacks.
What's confirmed
- The Russian military has been using these bombs, which can weigh up to 1,500 kg, to target Ukrainian positions. "There aren't just battles for Donbas," said an unnamed Ukrainian general, emphasizing the broader strategic importance of the region. "If you take Slovyansk, it used to be hit by glide bombs roughly once a week, but now it's almost every day," noted a local resident, describing the daily dangers faced by civilians.
- Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, two of the largest cities still under Ukrainian control, are part of what is known as Ukraine's "fortress belt." These cities are now facing almost daily attacks, with Russian forces aiming to capture the region. The Russian army already controls almost all of Luhansk region and has taken control of nearly 80% of Donetsk region, where these cities lie.
- The situation is particularly dire in Kostyantynivka, which has seen a significant reduction in Ukrainian troop presence. "The full capture of Donbas is a key objective for Russia," said the BBC, noting that capturing these cities would make it easier for Russian forces to advance westward. As a result, local authorities are urging civilians to evacuate the area to avoid the deadly attacks.
What's still developing
- Moscow has often cited the "liberation" and "protection" of the predominantly Russian-speaking Donbas as justification for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
- "There are often [remote-controlled] FPV drones in the air, you can hear them through the window. Driving around the city is lethally dangerous. There are drones lying in ambush on the roads, too," he told the BBC.
- The number of glide bombs launched by Russia jumped from 40 in June to 109 in July and 92 in August, according to data published by Ukrainian police and studied by the BBC.
- The capital city used to be Donetsk, until it was captured in 2014 by Russian-backed separatists.
- "Putin's primary objective on the front line remains the same: Kostyantynivka-Slovyansk," Zelensky told journalists last month.
- Residents sit in front of a Kramatorsk apartment block damaged by a Russian strike It is so dangerous now in Slovyansk and Kramatorsk that police say it is time for civilians to get out.
- However, Kostyantynivka only has a limited presence of Ukrainian troops left, reports say, while Russia claims to be in full control of it.