Russian forces have advanced east of Slovyansk and are consolidating positions east and southeast of the city in preparation for frontal assaults toward Slovyansk and the broader Fortress Belt, according to Ukrainian observer Kostyantyn Mashovets.

The advance reflects a continued effort by Russian command to secure favorable terrain and establish footholds that would enable attacks on Slovyansk from multiple directions, as part of a larger strategy to capture the heavily fortified Fortress Belt in Donetsk Oblast.

Mashovets reported that Russian forward units are moving simultaneously across several tactical sectors, with the 3rd Combined Arms Army reinforcing infantry after successful infiltrations and position consolidations near Pyskunivka, Zakitne, Kryva Luka and Mykolaivka.

ISW observed that Russian forces reached the southeastern outskirts of Pyskunivka from the east and northeast, having seized positions at Zakitne and Kryva Luka, and that they also infiltrated the southern and southeastern outskirts of Mykolaivka from western Rai-Oleksandrivka.

Russian troops are likely seeking to seize Mykolaivka to create conditions for attacks on Slovyansk from the east, bypassing the difficult canalized terrain and strong Ukrainian defenses that have stalled advances from the Lyman and Yampil directions.

Earlier attempts by Russian forces to assault Slovyansk from the northeast through Lyman have been unsuccessful due to strong Ukrainian defenses, challenging terrain, and the presence of the Siverskyi Donets River and associated canals.

Ukrainian forces have repelled a Russian infiltration mission in Mykolaivka and continue to conduct long‑range strikes targeting Russian logistics, fuel and electrical infrastructure in occupied territories.

Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces Commander Major Robert “Magyar” Brovdi reported that Ukrainian strikes hit Russian Su‑33 and MiG‑29 fighter jets, an Orion‑type drone, a surface‑to‑air missile unit and integrated air‑defense assets in Krasnodar Krai, as well as air‑defense sensors and SAM systems in Rostov Oblast and air‑surveillance radars in occupied Crimea.

The Ukrainian campaign aims to degrade Russian air‑defense capabilities and diminish the ability to protect rear areas in occupied Ukraine and southern Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on August 23 that he presented a joint proposal with US and European officials calling for a ceasefire, reciprocal withdrawal from the front line, and security guarantees from the EU and NATO; US and European parties have indicated agreement and plan to discuss the plan with both sides.

The Kremlin has rejected all proposed peace initiatives and continues to demand Ukrainian surrender to its core demands.

Zelensky reported that Russian forces have suffered approximately 267,000 personnel casualties, including about 155,000 killed, since the beginning of 2026, with the majority of losses occurring in the Kostyantynivka direction.

He also said the Kremlin is preparing to mobilize around 300,000 servicemembers following the September 18‑20 State Duma elections to reinforce positions in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.

Putin has set 15 deadlines since 2022 for the Russian military to seize the entirety of Donetsk Oblast, none of which have been met, and Russian forces control roughly 79.89 percent of Donetsk and 99.77 percent of Luhansk according to ISW assessments.

ISW continues to assess that these deadlines are disconnected from battlefield realities and that Russian forces are highly unlikely to achieve significant gains in the Slovyansk direction or to capture the Donbas region by the end of 2026.

Ukrainian forces launched 127 drones overnight, and ongoing strikes continue to target Russian logistics, fuel and electrical infrastructure across occupied areas.