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Ukraine's fortress cities under fire as Russia bids to seize rest of Donbas
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, the largest cities still fully controlled by Ukraine in the eastern Donbas region, face severe security deterioration, prompting police to urge civilian evacuations, especially families with children.
- These cities, part of Ukraine's "fortress belt," are under intense Russian attacks, including frequent drone and glide bomb strikes, with civilian casualties and infrastructure damage rising sharply over recent months.
- Russia controls nearly all of Luhansk and about 80% of Donetsk region, making the capture of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk crucial for advancing westward and completing Moscow's objective of full Donbas control.
- Glide bombs, a highly lethal Russian weapon, have increased in use, causing significant destruction and civilian injuries; recent attacks targeted residential areas, wounding dozens including infants.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky refuses to withdraw troops despite Russian pressure, while US envoys have engaged in talks on the region, highlighting the strategic and political importance of the remaining Ukrainian-held areas in Donbas.
