Units of the Russian Armed Forces are steadily advancing toward the strategic city of Slavyansk in the northern part of the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to Denis Pushilin, head of the region.

Pushilin said Russian troops are now only a few kilometers away from the city. At the same time, he cautioned that the remaining distance does not mean the situation around Slavyansk will be resolved immediately.

He explained that the advance has been complicated by the terrain in the area. The region is characterized by difficult relief and landscape features that slow the movement of forces.

Pushilin also noted that recently introduced restrictions on publishing images showing the locations where Ukrainian shells strike have already had a noticeable effect. According to him, the measures have reduced the amount of information that Ukrainian forces could previously use to adjust their fire.

He pointed out that photos and videos from open sources had often been used by Ukrainian troops to refine coordinates and plan further strikes.

In addition, the regional leader said work continues on upgrading the Donbass Dome electronic warfare system. The modernization process, he added, takes into account both local operational experience and practices used in other countries.