Russia masses 80,000 troops ahead of offensive on two cities

Russian forces have amassed around 80,000 personnel to intensify an offensive on Sloviansk and Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region. According to intelligence, the enemy is strengthening logistics and redeploying reserves following the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Siversk.

The spokesman of the 11th Army Corps, Dmytro Zaporozhets, said this during a live telemarathon broadcast.

According to him, about 80,000 Russian troops are currently concentrated in the Sloviansk and Kramatorsk directions opposite units of the 11th Army Corps.

Offensive on Sloviansk

“There is intelligence indicating that the enemy will attempt to increase pressure specifically on the Sloviansk direction. At one point, after we were forced to withdraw from Siversk, the enemy began actively amassing personnel there and continues to move troops and logistics to that area,” said Zaporozhets.

He also reported that the occupying forces intend to step up assault operations on the Kramatorsk sector.

Offensive on Kramatorsk

“There is information that the enemy is preparing personnel — reinforcements for further assault operations towards the settlement of Kramatorsk. Analysts, as we have previously mentioned on DeepState, said that the enemy was moving in the settlement of Orikhove-Vasylivka. Indeed, the enemy is attempting to advance there more actively than before,” Zaporozhets said.

Situation in Chasiv Yar

The spokesman noted that directly in Chasiv Yar, Russian units cannot operate as actively as planned and mostly move between positions. Nevertheless, despite the relatively low intensity of the offensive, enemy losses in the city remain significant.

Zaporozhets also drew attention to possible enemy plans regarding the Kostiantynivka direction.

“He is awaiting success, which he may achieve over time in the Kostiantynivka sector, if the enemy conducts more active offensive operations, implements tactics, and moves forward. In that case, the defense of Chasiv Yar will naturally come under strain,” the 11th Corps spokesman said.