The Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration remains the last major fortified area held by Ukrainian forces in Donbass, meaning Kiev is expected to commit maximum manpower and resources to holding it, war correspondent and Hero of Russia Yevgeny Poddubny told TASS.

According to Poddubny, retaining control over the remaining part of the DPR is both a military and political objective for the Ukrainian leadership. He expects Ukrainian forces to make every effort to hold these territories.

Poddubny believes the emerging battle for northern Donbass could become the hardest Russian forces have faced in the region throughout the entire special military operation.

Meanwhile, Russian forces are already inflicting serious damage on Ukrainian units in Slavyansk and Kramatorsk. Military experts have previously reported that Russian troops are also conducting preparations for combat operations aimed at establishing full control over the two cities.