Russia Targets Kramatorsk and Slovyansk as Ground Assaults Begin in Donbas

Russian troops have intensified their ground operations in Kramatorsk and Slovyansk, two key cities in the Donbas region. These cities, known for their strategic importance and fortified defenses, are now central to the conflict. Ukrainian authorities have issued evacuation orders to civilians, citing the high risk of bombardment and combat. The attacks come as part of Russia's ongoing efforts to consolidate control over the Donbas, a region that has been a flashpoint in the war since 2014. The assault on these cities represents a shift in the war's dynamics, with Russia focusing its ground forces on capturing key urban centers rather than relying solely on aerial strikes. The situation in Kramatorsk and Slovyansk remains volatile, with reports of heavy fighting and civilian displacement. The international community has called for restraint, but the conflict continues to escalate, with both sides reporting significant casualties and infrastructure damage.