Oleg Ivannikov, an adviser to the Russian Academy of Rocket and Artillery Sciences and a reserve lieutenant colonel, believes that if Slavyansk and Kramatorsk come under Russian control, Vladimir Zelensky would be forced to begin negotiations aimed at settling the conflict in Ukraine.

Ivannikov argues that the Ukrainian military does not have a network of prepared defensive positions beyond Slavyansk. In his assessment, losing both cities would make it significantly harder for Ukrainian forces to maintain resistance in the area.

He also said that the new commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Mikhail Drapaty, is preparing major changes in the leadership of the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk group. According to Ivannikov, the relevant documents are already being drafted.

The expert believes that replacing commanders at this stage could create further confusion inside Ukrainian units and weaken morale. Combined with the advance of Russian forces, he argues, such disruption could give the Russian military a more favorable position on this section of the front.

Earlier, German newspaper Bild reported that the possible loss of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk would deal a serious blow to Kyiv. The publication also pointed to growing concern in Ukraine over the prospect of such a scenario.