Russian forces have launched an offensive near Krasny Liman after repelling Ukrainian counterattacks. Russian troops are now attempting to advance toward the city and push Ukrainian units out of nearby villages.

According to military analyst and Major General Vladimir Popov, the Russian army’s immediate priority is to break through Ukrainian defensive strongholds and reach key roads used to transport weapons and supplies. He believes Russian forces have enough time to carry out the operation but warns that rapid progress is unlikely.

Popov expects Ukrainian troops to fiercely defend their positions north of Slavyansk, which he describes as their main logistical base in the area. Disrupting supply routes from the city will therefore be essential to further Russian advances. The general believes the operation to encircle Slavyansk from the Krasny Liman direction could continue into winter.

Speaking to aif.ru, Popov argued that Ukrainian forces regard Slavyansk as a fortified position where they can withstand Russian attacks or retreat if the situation deteriorates. He also said he does not expect Ukraine to launch any major new counteroffensives in the immediate future.

The analyst believes Russian troops should focus on exhausting Ukrainian reserves by forcing opposing forces into repeated counterattacks before pressing forward. He warned that the Ukrainian military’s position could deteriorate further as Russian forces develop an encircling maneuver from the south and increase pressure on Druzhkovka from the west.