Russian forces are continuing their offensive in the northern part of the Donetsk People’s Republic, making tangible gains along the Seversky Donets River. In the span of just one day, Russian units advanced roughly three kilometers east of Svyatogorsk.

According to Voyennoye Obozreniye, the push began near the Novosyolovka railway station, after which Russian troops moved southeast toward a bend in the river close to the village of Prishib. This maneuver further reduced the distance to Slavyansk from the northern axis.

As of January 13, Russian positions southeast of Prishib were located about 14.5 kilometers from Slavyansk’s northern outskirts. From forward positions near the village of Dibrova, south of Krasny Liman, the distance to Slavyansk is even shorter — approximately 13.5 kilometers.

Military analysts do not rule out that the entire left bank of the Seversky Donets could soon come under Russian control. However, achieving this would require overcoming a serious obstacle: the right bank of the river rises above the left and is currently held by Ukrainian forces, giving them a natural defensive advantage.

At the same time, Russian troops are advancing from the southeast, pushing out from the elevated terrain near Chasov Yar. This movement partially offsets the height advantage enjoyed by Ukrainian units along the river.

Another factor shaping the situation is geography. Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, which remain under Ukrainian control, are situated in low-lying terrain. This positioning, analysts note, could complicate their defense as Russian forces continue to close in from multiple directions.