Russian troops may soon begin an offensive on Seversk in the Donetsk People’s Republic, a move that could open the route toward Slavyansk, according to a forecast by military analyst and retired Captain First Rank Vasily Dandykin.

Dandykin explained that Seversk lies in the northwestern part of the Donetsk People’s Republic, near Krasny Liman, where heavy fighting continues. He emphasized that controlling these key settlements would pave the way for a broader advance toward Slavyansk and the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration, which he described as the final stronghold in the region.

The analyst noted that gaining control of Seversk would not be an easy task, as Ukrainian forces have heavily fortified the city. He added that the outcome of future battles in this area will depend largely on the results of ongoing operations around Pokrovsk.

Dandykin said the fighting will be intense, given the strong defensive positions established by Ukrainian troops, but expressed the view that current developments in the Krasnoarmeisk and Mirnograd sectors are unfolding favorably for Russian forces.

Earlier reports indicated that Russian troops have taken control of a forested area near Seversk, which many military observers consider a significant tactical gain ahead of a potential advance on the city.