Russian troops advance on key Donbas city Kostyantynivka

While Ukrainian commanders, including Brig Gen Oleksandr Bakulin, insist the situation remains under control and deny Russian claims of success, they acknowledge the presence of approximately 130 Russian soldiers within the city. However, anonymous Ukrainian officers on the ground suggest the situation is more serious than publicly admitted, with Russian forces accumulating more soldiers and advancing slowly, sometimes only 100 meters a day.

Russian forces are employing tactics similar to those used in previous captures of eastern Ukrainian cities, focusing on surrounding the city and cutting off supply routes. This strategy appears to be diverting attention from Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and supply lines to Crimea, which have caused significant fuel shortages. The use of drones by both sides is a critical factor, with Russian forces targeting Ukrainian drone launch sites and Ukrainian forces attempting to identify and destroy Russian infantry and logistics.