Russia says its forces are advancing toward the Donetsk cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk amid intensified fighting, while Ukraine welcomes a fresh EU push to unlock frozen Russian assets.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- Russia claims advances toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk in Donetsk.
- Fighting has intensified across the Donetsk region.
- Ukraine has welcomed a renewed EU push to unlock frozen Russian assets.
- The developments were reported by CNBC on August 28, 2026.
Russian forces have intensified their attacks in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, with Moscow claiming its troops are advancing toward the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, according to CNBC.
The two cities have long been strategic objectives in the wider conflict in eastern Ukraine, and reports of fighting intensifying in the surrounding area point to renewed pressure on Ukrainian positions in Donetsk.
Alongside the developments on the battlefield, Ukraine has praised a fresh push by the European Union aimed at unlocking frozen Russian assets, a policy issue that has featured prominently in discussions over how to support Kyiv financially.
The claims of advances toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk were attributed to Russia, and the pace of any territorial gains in the region remains a central point of contention in the ongoing war.
CNBC reported the latest developments on August 28, 2026, tying together the escalation in Donetsk with the diplomatic and financial moves under way in Europe.
Why it matters
Sloviansk and Kramatorsk are key cities in Donetsk, and any shift on that front could affect the broader trajectory of the war. At the same time, the EU push to unlock frozen Russian assets could shape how Ukraine is financed, making both the military and financial developments significant for the conflict's outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Which cities is Russia claiming to advance toward?
According to CNBC, Russia claims its forces are advancing toward the Donetsk cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
What is the EU push Ukraine welcomed?
Ukraine has welcomed a fresh EU push to unlock frozen Russian assets, according to CNBC. Further details of the plan were not specified in the report.
When were these developments reported?
CNBC reported the developments on August 28, 2026.
Timeline
- Russian forces intensify attacks in Donetsk as Ukraine lauds fresh EU push to unlock frozen assets
CNBC Top News: Russia claims advances toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk as fighting intensifies in Donetsk.