Putin's forces sets April 25 deadline to seize Kostiantynivka - Ukrainian military
Photo: Russian forces set a deadline for Kostiantynivka (Getty Images)
The Russian command has set a deadline for itself to capture Kostiantynivka — April 25. At the same time, Ukrainian military personnel consider such timelines unrealistic. Dmytro Zaporozhets, spokesperson for the 11th Army Corps, which is holding the defense in the agglomeration area, stated in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.
According to him, the nature of the enemy’s actions indicates attempts to enter the settlement directly. This creates conditions for hiding personnel but forces them to engage in urban combat, which significantly slows down their advance.
He explained that flanking maneuvers are currently failing for the enemy, while urban combat will not allow them to quickly capture the city.
“Therefore, the timelines they have planned for themselves can be multiplied by N months. If they conduct active assault operations and throw all their resources into capturing Kostiantynivka — in my opinion, they might achieve something, but not earlier than October,” he said in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.
Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region (DeepState map)
The spokesperson emphasized that the Russians may build their offensive in several stages: first using fast transport, including motorcycles, then buggies and cars, and later armored vehicles with personnel.
The enemy’s main objective will be to establish a foothold on the outskirts of Kostiantynivka, followed by combat operations directly within the city.
It should be added that the outlet’s sources in military circles reported on the Kremlin’s deadlines for occupying the entire Donetsk region. According to RBC-Ukraine interlocutors, the Donetsk region remains the enemy's top priority, and it aims to reach the region's administrative borders by the end of the year. However, sources also doubt the feasibility of this goal within such a timeframe.
As a reminder, Russian forces are trying to replicate tactics previously used in the Pokrovsk area for their offensive on Kostiantynivka. This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War.
Kostiantynivka is constantly under shelling. About 2,700 residents remain in the city, including possibly children.
Due to the attacks, the city has also been left without gas supply, which currently cannot be restored for security reasons. Residents also have no water supply or electricity.
In addition, Russian troops destroyed a dam near Kostiantynivka by dropping an aerial bomb on it. As a result, the area along the Druzhkivka–Kostiantynivka highway was flooded.
