Russian Forces Mass Large Troops Near Sloviansk in Ukraine's Donbas Region

Volodymyr Zelensky (center), President of Ukraine, visited the northeastern city of Kharkiv on the 29th (local time) and is receiving a briefing from soldiers on site. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Russian forces are reportedly massing large numbers of troops near the Sloviansk area in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region.

On the 3rd (local time), according to CNN, the Ukrainian General Staff stated that Russian forces are gathering 20 Battalion Tactical Groups (BTGs) in the area.

Typically, one BTG consists of about 600 to 800 personnel, so 20 BTGs could amount to up to approximately 16,000 troops.

The General Staff explained that Russian forces have attempted attacks on two locations: Barvinkove to the north of Sloviansk and Sviatohirsk to the northeast.

After capturing 'Lyman' in the Donbas region last month, Russian forces have continuously attacked Sitchove and Brusivka near Sloviansk.

Sloviansk is the largest urban center in the Donbas region. As Russian forces gradually tighten the encirclement, they are massing large numbers of troops in the Sloviansk area, heightening the tension of impending conflict.

Fierce battles continue in Severodonetsk, considered the most strategic point in Donetsk. The Ukrainian General Staff explained, "Russian forces, supported by artillery, have continued their attacks on Severodonetsk."

They added, "Russian forces tried to stop our troops advancing toward the border," and "continued attacks against our forces using airstrikes, artillery, multiple rocket launchers, and tanks."

Russian forces once controlled more than 80% of Severodonetsk, but the Ukrainian military claims to have succeeded in recapturing some areas.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.