Due to recent advances, Russian forces have now established control over large parts of the tactical ridgeline between the Bakhmut-Seversk line and the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk-Druzhkovka line, putting the last 3 cities of this so-called "fortress belt" at major risk.With the battle for Konstantinovka now in its final stages, Russia is developing an offensive in arguably the most crucial part of the entire frontline. Once they are able to capture the entirety of this ridgeline, all of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk will be within range of barrel artillery, and the battles for the cities will effectively start. This, combined with a push from Konstantinovka and even the Dobropolye area, will be a major setback for Ukraine, and could mark the beginning of the end for these last Donbas cities.
Right now, special attention is being made by the Russian command on clearing the remaining heavily fortified Ukrainian positions between Seversk and Slavyansk, in order to complete their goal of capturing this crucial line of tactical heights. This will allow Russia to bring forward drone operators, barrel artillery, and MLRS to within range of new areas, and allow for deep DRG infiltrations, possibly as far as the eastern outskirts of Slavyansk-Kramatorsk itself.
At the same time, the fall of Konstantinovka and the beginning of battles for Alexeevo-Druzhkovka will pose a major threat to Druzhkovka, as the near-continuous and unbroken line of urban areas stretching from Knostantinovka to Druzhkovka, and even to Kramatorsk, provides cover for additional deep Russian infiltrations.
As of now, forward Russian assault groups are just 5.5 km from the Kramatorsk Airport on the eastern outskirts of the city. The situation is critical, and without counterattacks, it will continue to massively worsen over the coming weeks and months.
AMK Mapping
