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06-04-2022, 04:38 PM
Russian officials have said that the focus of its forces is now the "complete liberation" of the Donbas.
The Donbas broadly refers to Ukraine's eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, where Russian-backed separatists held significant territory before Russia's invasion.
The UK's Ministry of Defence says Russian forces are consolidating and reorganising as they refocus on the region. They are also reported to be moving mercenaries to the area from private military company Wagner, which has links to the Russian state.
Russian troops advancing through Izyum are preparing for an attack on Slovyansk, according to the ISW.
Efforts to capture Slovyansk "will likely prove to be the next pivotal battle of the war", they say. From Slovyansk, Russian units may attempt to link up with other Russian troops to encircle Ukrainian forces in the Donbas
The Donbas broadly refers to Ukraine's eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, where Russian-backed separatists held significant territory before Russia's invasion.
The UK's Ministry of Defence says Russian forces are consolidating and reorganising as they refocus on the region. They are also reported to be moving mercenaries to the area from private military company Wagner, which has links to the Russian state.
Russian troops advancing through Izyum are preparing for an attack on Slovyansk, according to the ISW.
Efforts to capture Slovyansk "will likely prove to be the next pivotal battle of the war", they say. From Slovyansk, Russian units may attempt to link up with other Russian troops to encircle Ukrainian forces in the Donbas
