Kramatorsk faces intensifying Russian attacks as forces approach

Russian forces have reached within approximately 10 kilometers of Kramatorsk, a vital logistical hub in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. On August 21, authorities designated the city a zone of active combat, paving the way for organized civilian evacuations.

The city is facing intense bombardment, including the use of gliding bombs and frequent drone activity. During August alone, at least 13 people were killed and approximately 150 were wounded in attacks. Residents face severe disruptions to essential services, including frequent outages of water and electricity.

Military analyst Michael Kofman of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace warned that Kramatorsk is experiencing the same fate as other Donbas cities as Russian forces advance, noting that constant bombardment makes the city completely unsafe for civilians.