Russian forces must first take control of Mount Karachun before they can establish control over Slavyansk, military expert and retired Captain 1st Rank Vasily Dandykin said.

He noted that this section of the front is heavily forested, with numerous elevated areas. Mount Karachun, however, holds special importance because it dominates Slavyansk. According to Dandykin, further developments near the city will largely depend on Russian operations around Krasny Liman and Konstantinovka.

The expert pointed to the experience of 2014, saying that once the opposing side took Mount Karachun, Slavyansk came within firing range.

Dandykin also believes that the summer campaign may focus on combat tasks in the Dobropolye area. In his view, the scenario involves flanking moves, cutting communications and creating conditions that would make it extremely difficult for Ukrainian forces to hold their positions. He said these battles could begin in July and August and continue into September.

Earlier, a Ukrainian serviceman with the call sign «Muchnoy» described the Slavyansk direction as one of the hottest sectors. He said Russian forces continue to strike high-rise buildings in the eastern part of Nikolayevka with heavy aerial bombs, where Ukrainian units may be located.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also said the previous day that Russian forces were advancing toward Slavyansk at a «good pace». According to him, Russian troops are now roughly 8–9 kilometers from the city.