Continuous assaults: Ukrainian Armed Forces describe Russian tactics near Kostiantynivka
Illustrative photo: Ukrainian forces repelling continuous Russian assaults (Getty Images)
Russian troops are attempting to break through to Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian positions are constantly being assaulted by small infantry groups, and over the course of a day, the fortifications also endure hundreds of shellings — despite their losses, the Russian forces keep pushing forward, according to an interview with Captain Dmytro Zinyuk, a press officer of the 100th Separate Mechanized Brigade, for Suspilne. Studio.
Russian forces are actively assaulting Ukrainian positions in the area of responsibility of the 100th Separate Mechanized Brigade on the Kostiantynivka front. Up to 300 shellings may occur in a single day — the enemy is using mortars, artillery, and drones in an attempt to destroy fortifications and advance.
The most significant repelled assault was the one that Ukrainian troops successfully held off on December 22. Intelligence and engineering units played a major role in this successful defense, conducting extensive work to identify possible Russian advance routes and mine the approaches.
Constant pressure
According to Zinyuk, the Russian troops are constantly trying to break through toward Kostiantynivka. In addition to regular assaults by small infantry groups, they are now employing vehicles.
"I can only say that we constantly observe enemy buildup. The enemy is constantly, literally 24/7, attempting to assault our positions, including with small infantry groups and using motorized equipment," the serviceman said.
Unlike the Russian forces, Ukrainians prioritize the lives of their soldiers and actively use drones, including ground robots. The Russian army also attempts to use robots, but in coordination with assault troops, which ultimately allows Ukrainian forces to destroy both the Russian drone and its "escort."
Defense of Kostiantynivka and the repelled assault
On December 22, Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a large-scale Russian assault in the Kostiantynivka area of the Donetsk region. Among other targets, "shed" tanks — which the occupiers typically try to use to breach fortified lines — were destroyed. The mechanized assault was repelled, and the Russian assault group was routed.
The Russian army has been attempting to infiltrate Kostiantynivka with small infantry groups since September 2025. The Russian troops try to bypass Ukrainian strongpoints and penetrate deep into the defensive lines to mass forces for an attack. So far, all of their attempts have been detected and repelled.
It is assumed that by the end of 2025, Russia will attempt to create conditions for further operations in Kostiantynivka, as this city, together with Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia, could become a focal point for Russian efforts in 2026.
