Russia is slowly advancing into Kostiantynivka, a strategic city in Ukraine, while its progress along the broader 1,200-km front has mostly stalled. Fighting has started in the city, with Russian soldiers trying to infiltrate its outskirts, indicating that close-quarters combat may soon occur. Kostiantynivka is vital as it forms part of Ukraine’s defensive line in the heavily industrialized Donetsk region. Analysts believe that despite Ukraine’s drone strikes impacting Russian logistics, Moscow still has a manpower advantage, allowing it to continue its offensive in certain areas.
Controlling Kostiantynivka would help Russian forces to push further north along the defensive line. However, any advance is expected to be costly and difficult, similar to previous sieges of eastern cities like Pokrovsk and Avdiivka. President Putin claims Russia is close to capturing the city, where the population has dwindled from nearly 70,000 to about 2,000. Ukrainian commanders contest this assertion, stating their forces are successfully targeting small groups of Russian infiltrators. Maj. Gen. Viktor Nikoliuk expressed confidence that Kostiantynivka could remain defended given current resources.
Though the situation is deteriorating for Ukraine, Russian infiltrations have yet to lead to a quick breakthrough, according to the Institute for the Study of War. Nonetheless, the pressure on Ukraine to defend the city is increasing, leading to a potential choice between escalating their efforts or retreating. The likelihood of Kostiantynivka falling to Russian forces is becoming more probable with time.
Additionally, Russian troops are also threatening nearby cities, Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, through frequent air and drone strikes. Ukrainian supply routes are under heavy attack, limiting their ability to sustain defenses. Reports from areas near the front lines reveal challenging conditions for logistical support, as traditional vehicles are too risky for transporting supplies or evacuating the injured.
In nearby Druzhkivka, civilian life is deteriorating. Residents are evacuating as fighting gets closer, with one woman expressing her fear of drones flying overhead. She plans to return home after the conflict ends.
Despite these slow gains, Russian forces are reportedly struggling due to Ukrainian strikes on their supply lines and ongoing economic issues in occupied Crimea. Russian officials have declared emergencies and halted fuel sales due to these challenges. Despite being overextended on the battlefield, Russian leaders maintain that their campaign continues. Some Russian hardliners are pushing for a more aggressive strategy, urging Putin to abandon peace talks as Ukrainian strikes intensify, including in Moscow.
With information from Reuters
