Updated
Updated · Institute for the Study of War · Aug 24
Russian Forces Reach 2 Slovyansk Outskirts as Putin Presses Dec. 31 Donetsk Deadline
Updated
Updated · Institute for the Study of War · Aug 24

Russian Forces Reach 2 Slovyansk Outskirts as Putin Presses Dec. 31 Donetsk Deadline

1 articles · Updated · Institute for the Study of War · Aug 24

Summary

  • Russian units reached the southeastern outskirts of Pyskunivka and infiltrated southern and southeastern Mykolaivka, marking a fresh push east of Slovyansk.
  • Those moves aim to secure tactical heights and approach routes for future assaults on Slovyansk while bypassing the rivers, canals and strong Ukrainian defenses that have stalled attacks from Lyman and Yampil.
  • Mashovets said the 3rd Combined Arms Army is advancing across several sectors at once, reinforcing assault infantry after successful infiltrations and trying to link forces near Kryva Luka and Rai-Oleksandrivka.
  • ISW said any breakthrough west of Mykolaivka remains unlikely soon because Russian forces still need to seize additional settlements before mounting a larger attack on Slovyansk.
  • Zelensky said Putin has ordered Russian forces to seize all of Donetsk Oblast by Dec. 31, 2026, even though Moscow controls about 79.89% of the region and has missed 15 such deadlines since 2022.

Insights

As Putin's December 2026 deadline looms, will Russia's desperate push using ATVs and glide bombs finally crack Ukraine's heavily fortified Fortress Belt?
Can Ukraine's expanding long-range drone campaign neutralize Russia's brutal double-tap railway strikes before the Kremlin mobilizes 300,000 new troops?
With Ukraine systematically dismantling high-value air defenses, how long until occupied Crimea becomes completely unsustainable for Russian forces?