Desperate to save Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, Ukrainian forces counterattack and reinforce

Ukrainian forces intensified their counterattacks and reinforced positions around Sloviansk and Kramatorsk in an effort to halt Russian advances in August 2026. The pace of the Russian advance had slightly increased in the previous month, but the Russians' main objective remained unchanged: to position forces for a siege of the two key cities by next year.

Russian gains in August 2026 totaled just under 220 square kilometers, representing a 25% increase compared to July. However, the situation in Donbas deteriorated sharply during the month, with Ukrainian civilians and defenders facing growing threats from Russian advances.

Despite Russian forces advancing more slowly than a year ago, they maintained a substantial manpower and firepower advantage in the region. The most aggressive Russian formations were closing in on Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, forming a pincer around the vulnerable Ukrainian settlements.

Ukrainian counterattacks, particularly in the north, showed some promise in slowing the Russian advance. Mechanized and air assault brigades extended an advance through Nove, cutting across a 100-square-kilometer Russian force salient. Additionally, a reshuffling of Ukrainian units south of Kramatorsk aimed to improve defenses against a potential southern assault.

The Russian strategy of infiltrating front-line settlements with small teams of infantry, combined with massive aerial firepower from precision-guided KAB glide bombs, posed a significant threat. These glide bombs, carrying about 200 kg of explosives, were difficult to defend against and could collapse buildings and bunkers, providing the Russians with cover and concealment. The lack of long-range air defenses left Ukrainian forces vulnerable to this tactic.