# Ukraine–Russia conflict: intensified Russian offensive

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ukrainerussia-conflict-at-konstantinovka
> Updated: 2026-08-23T04:30:00.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 5.

Following the seizure of Konstantinovka in early July, Russian forces redirected their main thrust toward the Slavansk–Kramatorsk axis. Intensive shelling using KAB bombs, Shahed drones, and FPV drones has extended Russian fire control up to 40 km behind the front, while attempts to infiltrate Konstantinivka aimed to encircle defenders in Chasiv Yar.

In early August, Moscow escalated rocket attacks on Kyiv, overwhelming the city’s air-defense shield. The increased use of glide-bomb munitions struck bridges on the Izyum–Sloviansk highway, disrupting supply routes. During this period, elite Ukrainian drone units, such as the KRAKEN squad, suffered heavy losses. By 6 August, Ukraine’s Patriot batteries had exhausted PAC-3 interceptors, leaving the skies vulnerable. Russian strikes also hit logistics hubs, energy facilities, and the Odessa port, while devastating fuel supplies in the Kharkiv region.

By 8 August, ballistic missile strikes in the Kyiv region caused fatalities, including a child, and an attack in Kherson hit a medical facility. On the ground, Russian forces made tactical advances near Kostiantynivka, with combat remaining most intense in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions. In response, the Ukrainian command began restructuring military assets and placing certain battalions under the direct command of the Azov brigade.

By late August, the situation in Kramatorsk intensified. The city has faced daily strikes from dozens of glide bombs and constant FPV drone activity during both day and night. Much of the city is now covered in anti-drone netting, and many local businesses have closed as the area remains a critical regimental hub.

## Claims

- Kramatorsk has experienced significant changes since late 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Approximately dozens of glide bombs strike the area daily. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Russian FPV attack drones are operating over Kramatorsk during both day and night. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Swedish volunteer organization Quartermaster for Ukraine provides equipment, medical care, and training to Ukrainian military units. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Kramatorsk faces intensified Russian drone and glide bomb attacks

Kramatorsk in Donetsk faces intensified Russian attacks, including daily glide bomb strikes and frequent FPV drone activity, as civilian and military life continues under constant threat.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kramatorsk-faces-intensified-russian-drone-and-glide-bomb-attacks

### 2026-08-05: Kyiv faces intensified Russian rocket strikes as defenses weaken

Russian rockets and glide‑bombs intensify over Kyiv, breaching air‑defences, damaging bridges and striking elite Ukrainian drone units amid heightened Kremlin frustration.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kyiv-faces-intensified-russian-rocket-strikes-as-defenses-weaken

### 2026-07-28: Russian Forces Intensify Assault on Slavansk and Kramatorsk, Ukraine

Russian troops are concentrating fire on Ukraine’s Slavansk‑Kramatorsk corridor, using bombs, artillery and Shahed drones, turning the cities into ruins and probing to seize Konstantinivka, while Ukrainian def‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-forces-intensify-assault-on-slavansk-and-kramatorsk-ukraine

### 2026-07-24: Russian Forces Suffer Record Casualties in Ukraine’s Konstantinovka Battle

British intelligence reports Russian assault troops in Ukraine’s Konstantinovka area now face 20‑30‑minute frontline lives, with heightened casualties as they use small drone‑backed groups to expand control and

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-forces-suffer-record-casualties-in-ukraines-konstantinovka-battle

### 2026-07-08: Ukraine’s Counteroffensive Slows Russian Advance Amid Heavy Kyiv Bombardments

Russia captures villages and Konstantinovka while bombarding Kyiv; Ukraine’s drone‑driven counteroffensive hampers Russian advances and strains its logistics.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukraines-counteroffensive-slows-russian-advance-amid-heavy-kyiv-bombardments

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Cite as: Ukraine–Russia conflict: intensified Russian offensive. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ukrainerussia-conflict-at-konstantinovka