Russian Army Chief Reports Advances Across Frontlines as Fighting Intensifies in Donbas

Russian Forces Approach the Last Line of Defense in Donbas During March–April, the Armed Forces of Russia liberated 34 settlements and about 700 square kilometers of territory. At the same time, since the beginning of 2026, the Russian army has liberated more than 1,700 square kilometers and 80 settlements. According to the General Staff, Russian troops have fully taken control of the territory of the Luhansk People’s Republic. At the same time, the Southern grouping of troops is advancing toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, which are described as the last line of defense of Ukrainian forces in Donbas. Forward units are located at a distance of about 12 and 7 kilometers from the eastern outskirts of these cities, respectively. Fighting is also taking place in the suburbs of Kostiantynivka.