Russia attempts to cross the Siverskyi Donets to capture heights near Dronivka
Russian forces have intensified assault operations on the Sloviansk direction, attempting to cross the Siverskyi Donets River near the village of Dronivka in Donetsk region.
According to the 81st Separate Airmobile Slobozhanska Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces on 29 January 2026, the enemy is using frozen sections of the river to move small infantry groups at night. The occupiers operate under drone cover and use anti-thermal cloaks, trying to secretly amass forces in the Serebrianske Forestry for a breakthrough toward the commanding heights.
The situation in this section of the front remains tense due to the enemy’s deployment of numerous UAV command points, which significantly complicates logistics for Ukrainian units. Capturing Dronivka and the surrounding heights would allow Russia to conduct artillery strikes on rear areas of the Ukrainian Defence Forces and pose a threat of flanking Ukrainian positions.
Despite constant pressure and the enemy’s “infiltration” tactics between positions, Ukrainian paratroopers continue to hold designated lines and destroy enemy personnel and equipment.
Alongside ground attacks, Russia continues to terrorise civilians in the region with airstrikes and drones. Over the past 24 hours alone, the Sloviansk community has suffered a series of attacks that killed three civilians and caused significant damage to dozens of private homes. Ukrainian forces report that all main supply routes to Dronivka remain under fire control, currently preventing the enemy from successfully using heavy armour in an assault on the village.
Ukrainian troops continue to control the northern part of Pokrovsk and hold defensive lines in Myrnohrad. On the Kramatorsk direction, the Ukrainian Armed Forces maintain positions in the Orikhovo-Vasylivka area, refuting rumours of its capture.
A night drone attack by Russian forces on the Pivdennyi port in Odesa region dealt another blow to Ukrainian logistics.
