Russia is preparing an offensive on Slavyansk: ISW revealed the new tactics of the occupiers

The Russian army is increasing the intensity of strikes on Sloviansk and its surroundings, trying to weaken Ukrainian logistics and defenses against a possible ground offensive. The occupiers are increasingly using KABs, attack drones, and MLRS for attacks.

This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) dated August 26.

The head of the Slavyansk city military administration, Vadim Lyakh, previously reported that Russian troops, in addition to guided bombs and drones, have begun using Smerch and Tornado-S multiple launch rocket systems in the city. He also said that the density of shelling has increased.

ISW analysts believe that Russia may repeat the tactics it used during the battles for Konstantinovka. There, massive KAB strikes destroyed urban buildings, and later the occupiers could use the destroyed buildings for shelter and camouflage.

“Russian forces are likely applying lessons learned from Konstantinovka to create conditions for future offensives on Sloviansk,” ISW noted.

At the same time, analysts estimate that before a full-scale ground operation against Sloviansk, Russian troops still need to complete a number of tactical tasks. In particular, this concerns the capture of Rai-Oleksandrivka and Mykolaivka, as well as the territories around them.

Thus, the current strikes may be part of the battlefield preparation for a future offensive.

“Russian forces are actively preparing the battlefield for planned future offensive ground operations against Slavyansk,” the analysts stressed.

As a reminder, the 11th Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which is responsible for the defense of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, is preparing a change of commander. Instead of Brigadier General Oleksiy Maistrenko , the former commander of the 80th Brigade, Emil Ishkulov, may be appointed to the position.

Subsequently, new personnel appointments were made in the Armed Forces of Ukraine in important areas of Donbas. Colonel Emil Ishkulov headed the 11th Army Corps, and Valeriy Skred became the commander of the 19th Corps.

As reported, Russian President Vladimir Putin has tasked Russian troops with capturing the entire Donetsk region by December 31, 2026. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has expressed the opinion that Russia is unlikely to be able to capture the entire Donbas by the end of the year.

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