Aug. 27, 2026 Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov. Russian Defense Ministry Russian forces have advanced toward the outskirts of Slovyansk within eastern Ukraine’s so-called “fortress belt” of heavily fortified cities in the Donetsk region, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said Thursday. Speaking at an undisclosed location while inspecting troops from Russia’s “South” grouping of forces, Gerasimov said that Russian troops are positioned just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the eastern outskirts of Slovyansk. The general noted that Russian forces captured at least three villages to the northeast and southeast of the city over the summer, with active street fighting continuing in two other settlements. Gerasimov added that Russian operations are currently advancing along a 160-kilometer (99-mile) front. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said earlier this week that Russian troops have intensified efforts to push toward Slovyansk from the east and southeast following unsuccessful assault attempts from the northeast. Slovyansk and neighboring city of Kramatorsk represent Ukraine’s primary defensive strongholds in the region following the Russian capture of Kostiantynivka last month. Kostiantynivka had served as the southern end of the “fortress belt,” while Slovyansk anchored the group of cities in the north. In response to the offensive, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that he had appointed two prominent military commanders to lead defensive operations in the region. Zelensky claimed in June that the Kremlin had ordered Russian forces to fully capture the Donetsk region by Dec. 31. Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to demand that Ukraine cede full control of the Donetsk region as a prerequisite for any ceasefire agreement — a condition Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. Read more about: Ukraine war , Donetsk Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russian Army Captures 2 More Villages in Eastern Ukraine Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces took control of the villages of Nadezhdynka and Novosilka. 1 Min read Russia Says Ukraine Struck Shopping Mall in Occupied Donetsk Eyewitness videos shared on social media showed flames and thick black smoke engulfing the entirety of a large two-story structure. 1 Min read Moscow Says Captured Village Near Army Logistics Hub in Eastern Ukraine The village is not far from an intersection of a key road supplying Ukrainian troops and towns across the eastern front line. 1 Min read Russia Says Captured Another Village in Eastern Ukraine Ukraine's commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky said over the weekend that Kyiv had retreated from Berdychi, located near the town of Adviika. 1 Min read
Russia
Washington’s new Iran sanctions reveal more than America would like
• What happened: The US launched Operation Economic Outcast, an extensive sanctions campaign against Iran, targeting multiple sectors of its economy and adding ...