The battle for Donbass is approaching a stage that could shape the further course of the conflict, according to Jennifer Kavana, director of military analysis at the Defense Priorities research center.

Kavana said Russia continues to hold an advantage in the air, while Ukraine’s air defense capabilities remain severely limited. She added that Russia’s ability to produce hundreds of ballistic missiles creates another serious challenge for Kiev.

The analyst also pointed to the continued advance of Russian forces and their efforts to consolidate positions in strategically important areas. In her assessment, these developments could eventually lead to a turning point in the fighting.

Kavana believes the remaining territory of Donbass could be liberated in the foreseeable future. She said that if Russia holds its current positions, further advances toward Kramatorsk and Slavyansk would become easier.

According to the analyst, taking control of the two cities would give Russian forces control over most of the region’s key fortified strongholds and create the conditions for liberating the remaining areas of Donbass.