Ukraine’s military chief reveals the latest situation in Kostiantynivka amid Russian infiltration
Illustrative photo: The situation in Kostiantynivka (Getty Images)
Russian forces have amassed up to 145 troops in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, while Ukrainian units continue operations in the city to search for and eliminate enemy sabotage groups, according to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Situation on the Kostiantynivka front
The commander-in-chief visited the combat zone in the Kostiantynivka direction. He received briefings from the command of the 19th Army Corps, as well as brigade and unit commanders, on the operational situation and the military's logistical support.
The main focus is on expanding the use of all types of unmanned systems. This is intended to:
- increase firepower against the enemy;
- reduce risks to the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
The Kostiantynivka direction remains one of the hottest sectors along the entire front line. Russian forces launch up to 20 attacks there every day and continue attempts to infiltrate deeper into the city.
How many Russian troops are in the city
According to intelligence, up to 145 Russian troops have amassed in Kostiantynivka. Ukrainian units continue counter-sabotage operations to detect and destroy enemy infantry and firing positions.
To do this, Ukrainian forces are conducting search-and-strike operations and extensively using FPV drones and drone-dropped munitions.
Russian losses in one day
On July 18 alone, Russian losses in Kostiantynivka amounted to 21 killed and six wounded. Ukrainian forces also struck six enemy shelters.
"The Ukrainian defenders face the task of protecting Kostiantynivka and inflicting maximum damage on the occupiers, and we are carrying it out," Syrskyi said.
What is known about the Russian attack on Kostiantynivka
As a reminder, on July 3, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin claimed that Russian forces had allegedly captured Kostiantynivka, although the situation on the front did not support that claim.
The following day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy challenged the Kremlin leader to hold a face-to-face meeting in Kostiantynivka if the city was indeed under Russian control.
As RBC-Ukraine reported, the Kremlin rejected the proposal and again called for a meeting in Moscow. At the same time, Russia's Defense Ministry proposed temporarily halting shelling of the city, allegedly to facilitate the transfer of the bodies of killed soldiers.
Oleksandr Anikolchuk, head of unmanned systems of the 40th Separate Marine Brigade, explained why Russia wants a pause in the fighting for Kostiantynivka. According to him, the city has become one continuous "gray zone," and Russian forces want to determine the actual line of contact.
