Ukrainian sources have acknowledged that Russian forces entered Nikolayevka, where street fighting is now underway for control of the settlement, which has been described as the «gateway to Slavyansk».

According to Voyennoye Obozreniye, the OSINT resource DeepState, which the publication describes as close to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, confirmed the presence of Russian units in Nikolayevka. The settlement covers the eastern approaches to Slavyansk and lies roughly 10 kilometers from the city.

The report noted that fighting on the outskirts of Nikolayevka has continued since July, while Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups have repeatedly entered built-up areas.

Ukrainian troops reported small-arms clashes near School No. 3 as early as September 11. Ukrainian forces are actively using drones in response, attempting to create a dense defensive «drone wall» centered on the Slavyansk Thermal Power Plant, which has been turned into a heavily fortified position.

Voyennoye Obozreniye also pointed to the local geography as a factor complicating the Ukrainian garrison’s position. Nikolayevka and the Slavyansk Thermal Power Plant are located in low-lying terrain between the Seversky Donets and Kazenny Torets rivers, close to large industrial cooling reservoirs.

As a result, the main supply route runs southwest toward Slavyansk. If Russian forces manage to block this corridor, including with drones, supplying Ukrainian troops in Nikolayevka could become significantly more difficult.

Russian military sources have also reported fighting inside the settlement. According to their accounts, capturing Nikolayevka is expected to be difficult because of prepared Ukrainian defenses. Russian assault units, however, are already operating inside the town and are attempting to consolidate their positions.