Russia masses forces ahead of potential offensive — ISW
Russian military
Russian troops continue to build up their personnel and equipment in the Lyman sector, which may indicate preparations for intensified offensive operations, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports.
According to analysts, Russian forces are increasingly recruiting foreign conscripts. According to a spokesperson for the Ukrainian brigade operating in the Sloviansk sector, their share in that area has recently risen to approximately 30% of Russian troop strength.
These are primarily soldiers from Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
At the same time, the Ukrainian military official notes that Russian units, despite their buildup of forces, remain inadequately trained.
Russian attacks on Ukrainian logistics
Russian troops are also focusing their attacks on Ukrainian logistics facilities and river crossings.
In particular, the Russians are attacking crossings over the Oskil and Siverskyi Donets rivers. According to the ISW, these actions may be part of preparations for a future intensification of offensive operations in the Lyman direction, located northeast of Sloviansk.
Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Pavlo Palisa stated that Ukraine was observing a slowdown in the pace of Russian troop advances on the front lines.
According to him, the active line of contact remains approximately 1,200 km long, but in certain sectors, Ukrainian forces are preparing for further offensive operations.
In addition, Ukraine is gradually narrowing the gap between the territories Russia has captured and those that the Ukrainian Defense Forces have been able to liberate since the beginning of 2026.
