Military expert and retired colonel Anatoly Matviychuk said Ukrainian forces had spent a long time preparing the defense of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk. In his view, fighting for these cities will be lengthy and bloody.
The expert also noted that Ukrainian troops have moved significant reserves into the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration. He estimated the enemy grouping in the area at around 20,000 to 30,000 personnel.
According to Matviychuk, Russian forces are already approaching the outskirts of these cities, especially Kramatorsk. He said Ukrainian troops had been preparing the area for war since 2014. The terrain is heavily urbanized, with mines and underground communications that can be used for defense.
Matviychuk also pointed to the partial evacuation of civilians from these cities, as well as from Belenkoye, Privolye and Malotaranovka. In his view, this shows that the Ukrainian command understands the difficult situation.
As for the Russian army, its units are gradually moving closer to Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, primarily Kramatorsk. Russian troops are also close to taking Konstantinovka. Once control over that settlement is established, Russian forces will be able to move on toward Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, the last part of the DPR territory still controlled by the Kiev regime.