Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's Slovyansk could be Russia's next target, new report claims

As Russia-Ukraine war has reached its 42nd day, a report released by military specialists at Institute for Study of War, a US-based think tank, on Monday, revealed that current vancement of Russian troops in Kharkiv might be paving way for eastern Ukrainian city of Slovyansk to be next target of Russia's offensive, CNN reported. 

According to United States-based think tank’s report, "efforts by Russian forces vancing from Izyum to capture Slovyansk will likely prove to be next pivotal battle of war in Ukraine," which might open up potential routes for Russian forces to cut off Ukrainian troops in east and vance more into Luhansk and Donetsk areas. 

Furrmore, report ded, “If Russian forces are unable to take Slovyansk at all, Russian frontal assaults in Donbas are unlikely to independently breakthrough Ukrainian defences and Russia’s campaign to capture entirety of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts will likely fail", CNN reported.  

Inving Russian soldiers rey to overrun Kharkiv: Ukrainian Defence Ministry

In dition to this, on Monday, Ukrainian Defence Ministry spokesperson Oleksandr Motuzianyk warned that inving Russian soldiers are rey to overrun Kharkiv and strike Ukrainian soldiers in joint forces operating zone. Defence Ministry of Ukraine stated during a news conference on 'Operational' situation that major goal for Russian forces "is to prepare for resumption of offensive operations to surround Ukrainian army and seize city of Kharkiv." 

Russian forces have begun garing in western and sourn military districts of Slobozhanskyi and Donetsk operating areas, according to Motuzianyk. Russian forces' fighting strategy has been described by Ukraine's defence ministry, which claimed that y are heing for military regions and have activated reserve units. 

Ministry spokesman furr ded that Russian army is also developing military logistical lines, generating ammunition, and missiles, as well as fuel stores, and establishing medical facilities to accept a significant number of injured soldiers. As per Ukraine's general staff of armed forces intelligence, Russian troops were unable to encircle Kyiv and so withdrew to east, failing to conquer Chernihiv owing to heavy opposition from Ukrainian soldiers. 

Meanwhile, amid continuous bombing of Putin-led Russian troops over Ukrainian cities, Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine said in a Telegram message that roughly 167 children h died in war-torn country since war commenced on February 24, according to Ukrinform. office also stated that Russian forces' activities h harmed around 446 Ukrainian children.

(Image: AP)