Russia masses 11,000 troops near Ukraine's Kostiantynivka as new assaults loom - ISW
Russian soldiers (photo: Getty Images)
Russia has concentrated about 11,000 troops in the Kostiantynivka–Druzhkivka tactical area and continues attempts to advance in that sector, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
What is happening on the Sloviansk front
According to analysts, Russian forces recently made slight advances near Sloviansk. Geolocated footage from June 17 shows Ukrainian troops attacking two Russian vehicles on the Siversk-Lyman highway.
The attack took place during a joint motorized-mechanized assault by Russian forces on June 16. A Russian military blogger claimed that Russians advanced south of Lyman.
At the same time, another source affiliated with the Russian Western Grouping of Forces reported a Ukrainian counterattack near Drobysheve, north of Lyman.
Moscow exaggerates its successes
The Russian Ministry of Defense continues to spread false claims about alleged successes on the Sloviansk front. Previously, the ministry issued similar daily reports regarding Kostiantynivka.
To support its claims, Russian forces are using battlefield videos generated by artificial intelligence.
11,000 Russian troops concentrated near Kostiantynivka
In the Kostiantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, infiltration attempts are ongoing. During one such attempt, Russian forces raised flags in the central part of Kostiantynivka.
A spokesperson for one of the Ukrainian brigades reported on June 17 that Russian forces are concentrating troops near the city for assaults by numerous small assault groups.
The commander of the 19th Army Corps said on June 18 that Russian troops, often operating in very small groups, had infiltrated various parts of Kostiantynivka but still did not control any part of the city and were attempting to advance around its flanks.
How many enemy troops are actually in the city
An officer of the 19th Army Corps provided details on June 17. Approximately 123-125 Russian troops are currently inside Kostiantynivka itself.
The main attacks are being carried out from the west, east, and northeast. According to the officer, most Russian forces remain on the approaches to the city, where Ukrainian troops are inflicting losses on them as they advance.
The total size of the force grouping in the Kostiantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, including frontline and rear units, is estimated at 11,000 troops.
Situation in Kostiantynivka
According to ISW, after failing on the Sloviansk front, Russian forces shifted their focus to Kostiantynivka, which has become the main objective of their offensive in the Donetsk region.
The Russian Ministry of Defense is trying to portray tactical gains in Kostiantynivka as the inevitable collapse of the entire defense of the Donetsk region, but analysts predict prolonged and exhausting battles for every city.
