Russian troops are reducing the distance to Slovyansk and Kramatorsk: military expert analysis

Russian troops are reducing the distance to Slovyansk and Kramatorsk: military expert analysis

The Russian army has reduced the distance to Kramatorsk to approximately 7.7 km, and to Slovyansk — to 12 km.

Ukrainian military expert Kostyantyn Mashovets reached this conclusion while analyzing the situation in the Slovyansk direction.

According to his information, Russian forces continue their offensive from the eastern and southeastern directions, attempting to approach the near approaches to Slovyansk while simultaneously deploying part of their forces toward Kramatorsk. Despite a noticeable slowdown in the pace of advance in recent weeks, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have not yet been able to fully stop the Russian units.

Mashovets pays particular attention to the sector from Rai-Oleksandrivka to Vasyutynske. Over June and July, Russian units managed to advance here by 4–5 km, and in some directions — up to 6–8 km. Russian assault groups are located approximately 2 km from the southeastern outskirts of Mykolaivka, which remains an important Ukrainian defensive hub in this area.

According to the expert, fighting continues for Rai-Oleksandrivka itself (although the Russian side has already claimed its capture).

In addition, Russian troops have advanced along the Siverskyi Donets — Donbas canal, engaged in fighting for Yurkivka, reached the outskirts of Vasyutynske, and occupied Novomarkove. Mashovets notes that this area is particularly dangerous, as further advances would allow Russian units to reach Slovyansk and Kramatorsk via the shortest routes.

At the same time, the offensive potential of Russian units is gradually decreasing due to losses.

However, the expert considers it likely that already in August the Russian grouping in this direction may receive reinforcements from strategic reserves. In his assessment, it has approached the Slovyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration closer than other Russian groupings and, with significant reinforcement, could attempt a rapid breakthrough to Slovyansk or Kramatorsk.