# Five years of war have narrowed to two cities: why Kramatorsk and Sloviansk may decide how Russia’s invasion ends

https://mins.news/en/item/21848

- Meduza, 2026-08-14 05:27 UTC
- World
- Original: https://meduza.io/en/feature/2026/08/14/five-years-of-war-have-narrowed-to-two-cities-why-the-battle-for-kramatorsk-and-sloviansk-will-likely-decide-when-and-how-russia-s-invasion-of-ukraine-ends

> Meduza examines the strategic outlook of Russia’s war against Ukraine, arguing that the conflict’s current phase has centered on capturing the urban area of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk in northern Donetsk. The article says the war can end only when both sides see their aims as achieved or no longer attainable at an acceptable cost.

## Related coverage

- [Exclusive: Ukraine tells Trump Russia may not capture remaining Donetsk territory even in 2027](https://mins.news/en/item/22327) — The Kyiv Independent, 2026-08-14