Russian operations set stage for offensive on Sloviansk, Kramatorsk - military expert Zgurets

He shared the information on Espreso TV.

"Russia aims to reach the borders of Donetsk Oblast, and all operations are potential precursors to an offensive on Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, which are critical defense hubs for us. However, neither the Armed Forces of Ukraine nor the Russian army are currently acting in a linear manner," noted Zgurets.

According to the director of the Defense Express information and consulting company, an offensive toward Velyka Novosilka creates prerequisites for Russian advances in the southern direction, making the issue of Zaporizhzhia increasingly relevant. However, it is necessary to consider both our forces and Russia's. At present, all reserves that Russia is forming as rapid reinforcements are being used to compensate for losses along the entire frontline. Suggesting that the Russian army has simultaneously assembled forces of over 100,000 troops capable of launching an unexpected offensive in the Zaporizhzhia direction is a significant exaggeration.

"Publications in The Economist suggest the possibility of such actions, but the likelihood of them occurring exists on any front where Russia concentrates certain forces. Currently, Russia's tactics involve advancing on all fronts, with limited capacity to concentrate forces on a single direction," explained Zgurets.

The Defense Express director also noted that most of the Russian forces are now concentrated in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove sectors, with approximately 50,000 to 100,000 personnel gathered at various positions. These areas are experiencing the highest intensity of combat operations.

• Over the last day, November 26, a total of 224 clashes were reported at the front. Russian forces are focusing their most aggressive attacks on Ukrainian positions in the Pokrovsk direction.
• The commander of the Heavenly Retribution UAV crew from the 4th Operational Brigade Rubizh of the National Guard of Ukraine, Andrii Otchenash, stated that the Russians plan to advance and will attempt to seize as much territory as possible.