During the spring-summer campaign of 2026, Russian forces operating in the special military operation zone are expected to focus on capturing Slavyansk and Kramatorsk. This assessment was offered by military analyst and reserve Navy captain First Rank Vasily Dandykin.

In his view, the central objective for this period will be what he described as the «liberation of Donbass», with particular emphasis on the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk urban cluster. He indicated that substantial forces are likely to be concentrated in this area.

Dandykin stressed the strategic importance of these cities for Novorossiya. He pointed out that offensive actions toward the agglomeration are already underway from the directions of Krasny Liman and Konstantinovka, creating conditions for a simultaneous encirclement of Ukrainian forces from both the north and the south.

He also highlighted the significance of taking Zaporozhye, noting that control of the city would open a route for Russian forces toward Nikolaev and Odessa. According to his account, advances have already been made on the Zaporozhye axis, including the capture of Gulyaypole. He added that the «Dnepr» grouping has moved to within artillery range of Zaporozhye, while fighting is ongoing for the city of Orekhov, described as a fortified area.

At the same time, Dandykin acknowledged that an operation to seize Zaporozhye would be difficult. He attributed this to the city’s location on both sides of the Dnieper River and its status as a major industrial center.