Ukrainian forces advance between Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka in Donetsk region — ISW
Ukrainian forces advance in Kostiantynivka–Druzhkivka area (photo: Getty Images)
Ukrainian troops recently advanced in the tactical Kostiantynivka–Druzhkivka area in the Donetsk region, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Analysts note that Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the tactical Kostiantynivka–Druzhkivka area.
Geolocated videos published on March 3–4 indicate that Ukrainian units pushed forward to the southeast and south of Kostiantynivka.
Geolocated footage released on March 3 shows that Russian troops are striking Ukrainian forces southeast of Kostiantynivka — in an area that analysts previously assessed as one where Russian forces could have advanced.
At the same time, zones of Russian penetration marked on the map do not indicate full control of territory — Ukrainian positions may remain within these areas.
Ukrainian forces advance in Kostiantynivka–Druzhkivka area (photo: ISW map)
Footage from March 3 also shows Russian strikes south and southeast of Kostiantynivka — in areas where Russians previously claimed control.
Commander of Ukrainian battalion fighting in Kostiantynivka–Druzhkivka area said on March 5 that Russian troops have partially restored their communication capabilities to about 50–60 percent of the level that existed before the Starlink shutdown.
According to him, Russian forces are installing Wi-Fi bridges and placing directional antennas on important tactical heights.
On other directions, the frontline has not changed.
Spokesperson for the Ukrainian brigade fighting in the Pokrovsk direction said that Russian forces have reduced the intensity of infiltration attempts. The likely reason is the shortage of ground unmanned vehicles used for logistical support of forward assault groups.
Ukrainian Armed Forces' successes on the front
Earlier, analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that during the last two weeks of February 2026, Ukrainian troops, for the first time since the summer counteroffensive of 2023, liberated more territory than they lost.
Thus, since January 1, Ukrainian troops have liberated approximately 257 square kilometers.
At the same time, recently, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said that since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has liberated 460 square kilometers of territory.
Earlier similar statement was made by Commander-in-Chief of Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi, noting that in February Defense Forces regained control over a larger area than the Russian troops captured.
