Donbas cities face intensified Russian attacks and mandatory evacuations

Ukrainian authorities have initiated mandatory evacuations for families with children in the Donbas cities of Slaviansk and Kramatorsk due to a sharp escalation in Russian attacks. These cities form a critical part of Ukraine’s defensive belt in the east.

Local police official Pavlo Dyachenko stated that evacuation is the only way to save lives, noting that Slaviansk, which previously faced weekly bombardment, is now being targeted almost daily. Russian forces currently control nearly all of the Luhansk region and approximately 80 percent of the Donetsk region. The fall of Kramatorsk and Slaviansk would potentially provide Russia with a path for further advancement toward western Ukraine.

The attacks involve heavy use of aerial glide bombs and FPV drones. In Kramatorsk, main roads have been covered with protective netting to mitigate drone threats, as volunteers report that driving through city streets has become extremely dangerous.

Civilian casualties have risen significantly. Data indicates that in June, there were 16 deaths and 70 injuries; in July, 20 deaths; and in August, 15 deaths and 212 injuries. The use of heavy glide bombs, weighing between 250 kg and 1,500 kg, has caused massive destruction to residential buildings and infrastructure.