Russia tries to encircle Ukraine's Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region, combat ongoing
Russia tries to encircle Ukraine's Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Russian forces are attempting to encircle the Ukrainian town of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region from three directions. Fierce fighting is ongoing, according to Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Khortytsia operational and strategic group of troops.
According to him, Russian forces have been trying to encircle Kostiantynivka from three directions for a long time.
"Previously, they attempted to advance from the directions of Toretsk, Kramatorsk, or through the town of Chasiv Yar — essentially trying to break through wherever possible," Trehubov said, referring to towns located in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. "But over the past year and a half, they haven't succeeded on any of those fronts. Now, they are trying to push from the Pokrovsk direction, specifically along the Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka highway — a key route linking western Donetsk to the contested front line. That's where the fiercest fighting is taking place now."
The spokesperson noted that the largest concentration of enemy forces is currently along the Pokrovsk axis.
Situation on the frontline
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrainian forces continue to hold back Russian forces along several fronts, including a newly active sector — the Northern-Slobozhansky direction.
Military command reports that as of June 16, a total of 99 combat engagements were recorded. Russian forces also launched attacks on communities in border regions.
On the Pokrovsk axis alone, Russian troops attempted 32 assaults to dislodge Ukrainian defenders from their positions.
The Khortytsia operational and strategic group of troops noted that Russian forces have increased their offensive activity across seven frontline directions — an indication of a summer escalation in hostilities.
