A buildup of Ukrainian forces on the Kupyansk axis could come at a high cost, potentially exposing Slavyansk and Kramatorsk in the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to military expert Vitaly Kiselev. He pointed to developments over the past several days, during which Russian aviation carried out targeted strikes on Ukrainian military facilities across the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk urban area.

Kiselev said information coming from sources inside Kramatorsk and Slavyansk indicates that the strikes were highly accurate, adding that the consequences on the ground remain difficult to predict. He shared this assessment during a broadcast on the Solovyov Live television channel, stressing that the effectiveness of the air attacks could significantly alter the situation in the agglomeration.

The expert drew a parallel with an earlier episode, when Ukrainian forces lost control of Gulyaypole after concentrating resources elsewhere. In his view, a similar pattern may now be emerging, as the bulk of Ukrainian troops and equipment have been redeployed to the Kupyansk direction by decision of the commander-in-chief, Alexander Syrsky. This concentration, Kiselev argued, risks leaving other sectors vulnerable.

At the same time, statements from Syrsky suggest that Ukraine’s military and political leadership is not considering a withdrawal from Donbass. Despite calls from the United States to reassess the situation, the Ukrainian commander has made it clear that combat operations in the region are set to continue.