Possibility of Entering Sloviansk Increases to 25%

Russia and Ukraine have intensified drone and missile attacks since August, increasing pressure on Sloviansk. The prediction market indicates a 25% chance of entering Sloviansk. In July, civilian casualties in Ukraine totaled 437 deaths and 2,610 injuries. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned of intensified airstrikes, and Russia is ramping up the intensity of airstrikes targeting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The Ukrainian military struck the Gazprom Neft-Khim Salavat refinery and petrochemical complex in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia. The Orenburg region's Orsk refinery has halted operations following a drone attack, with repairs expected to take up to six months. Sloviansk, along with Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, and Kramatorsk, is a key pillar of the Donbas defense line, and if the defense in this area falters, the burden of defense on the eastern front of Ukraine may increase. However, there are analyses suggesting that the Russian military has prioritized Kostiantynivka as its first target due to difficulties in advancing towards Sloviansk. In the Polymarket prediction market, Dobropillia is at 56% and Druzhkivka at 32%. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to consider the entry into Sloviansk a foregone conclusion.