# Russia-Ukraine conflict in the Donbas region > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-ukraine-conflict-in-the-donbas-region > Updated: 2026-09-09T13:55:09.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 7. Russian forces continue to make daily breakthroughs within the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration, including cities such as Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, and Dobropillia. Military expert Andrey Marochko reported to TASS that Russian troops are penetrating defensive lines established since 2014, aided by aerial strikes that have breached reinforced underground concrete barriers. This area remains a critical logistical hub for the Ukrainian military due to essential railway and road supply routes. In response, Ukrainian forces have launched significant operations in the Krasny Liman direction. Targeting positions west of the Zherebets River, units including the 3rd Assault Brigade and the 66th Mechanized Brigade are conducting coordinated attacks from the north and south. The objective is to capture the village of Kolodezy to isolate a Russian salient, potentially cutting off Russian forces across approximately 150 square kilometers. Recent reports indicate Russian forces have surpassed the first Ukrainian defensive lines in several sectors of the Donetsk region. In the offensive toward Sloviansk, Russian troops have reportedly taken control of Piskunovka, Pershomaryovka, and Orekhovatka, with combat continuing in the streets of Nikoláyevka and Nikanórovka. Russian forces are now positioned approximately four kilometers from the eastern outskirts of Sloviansk. Pressure has intensified on the eastern fortress belt of industrial centers, including Kostyantynivka. In Kramatorsk, guided bombs and drones have damaged infrastructure and destroyed nearly all bridges. The Institute for the Study of War reported that Russian forces infiltrated approximately 124 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in August. While the advance is described as slow and costly, with Western intelligence estimating roughly 40,000 Russian casualties per month, the incremental gains continue to pressure Ukrainian strongholds. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Ukraine faces increased Russian pressure on eastern fortress belt Russian forces are advancing toward Ukraine’s eastern fortress belt, including Kramatorsk, while Ukraine reinforces northern defenses near Chornobyl with anti-drone netting. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukraine-faces-increased-russian-pressure-on-eastern-fortress-belt ### 2026-09-09: Ukraine's new military command faces test in Donetsk Ukraine's new military command, led by Mikhailo Drapatyi, faces a critical test in Donetsk as Russian forces advance toward the fortified cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukraines-new-military-command-faces-test-in-donetsk ### 2026-09-09: Russia advances toward Ukrainian strongholds in Donbas Russian forces are advancing toward key Ukrainian strongholds like Kramatorsk in the Donbas, shifting battlefield momentum as drone attacks and heavy bombardment intensify in the eastern front. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-advances-toward-ukrainian-strongholds-in-donbas ### 2026-08-31: Russian forces advance toward Druzhkivka in Donetsk Oblast Russian forces are advancing toward Druzhkivka in Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast, using artillery and drones to cause widespread destruction as they attempt to break through strategic defensive lines. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-forces-advance-toward-druzhkivka-in-donetsk-oblast ### 2026-08-27: Russian forces report advances in Donetsk region Russian forces report advancing through Ukraine's Donetsk region, breaking through first defensive lines near Sloviansk and Kramatorsk amid ongoing intense combat. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-forces-report-advances-in-donetsk-region ### 2026-08-25: Ukraine launches major operation near Krasny Liman to isolate Russian forces Ukrainian forces are conducting a major operation near Krasny Liman, aiming to isolate a Russian salient west of the Zherebets River and secure strategic positions in the Donetsk region. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukraine-launches-major-operation-near-krasny-liman-to-isolate-russian-forces ### 2026-08-20: Russian forces penetrate Ukrainian defenses in Slavyansk-Kramatorsk Russian forces are reportedly making daily breakthroughs in the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk area, targeting critical Ukrainian logistical hubs in the Donbas through systematic advances and aerial strikes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-forces-penetrate-ukrainian-defenses-in-slavyansk-kramatorsk --- Cite as: Russia-Ukraine conflict in the Donbas region. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-ukraine-conflict-in-the-donbas-region