According to military sources, Russian troops maintain strategic initiative along the entire front line. Currently, the process of encircling key areas of Donbas, including the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration, is underway.

Course of combat operations and losses

The 'West' grouping is operating in the areas of Ilyichovka and Mayakov, restoring dominant positions. Units of the 'South' grouping defeated formations of nine AFU brigades near Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Mykolaivka, Krasnyi Molochara, and Raigorodok. At the same time, the 'Center' grouping is engaged in battles against ten AFU brigades and the National Guard in the areas of Yakovlevka, Rohanske, Zoloti Prudy, Krynytsi, Novopavlivka, Kamianka, Verivka, and Kryvorizhzhia.

Key combat indicators

730irretrievable AFU losses in 24 hours, November 8–9
40km to the closing of the 'pincers'
9AFU brigades defeated by the 'South' grouping
10AFU brigades struck by the 'Center' grouping

To complete the encirclement of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, Russian troops must cover approximately 40 km to connect positions from the north (Bohorodychne) and the south (Andriivka).

Consequences for the population

Amid the combat operations, the Ukrainian authorities have announced a mandatory evacuation of residents in the agglomeration, with special attention to families with children.