The city is part of a heavily fortified defence line known as the “fortress belt,” where Ukrainian forces continue to resist repeated Russian attempts to advance
Kyiv
Russian forces are moving closer to the outskirts of Kostiantynivka, a key Ukrainian stronghold in the eastern Donetsk region, according to Ukraine’s military leadership.
The city is part of a heavily fortified defence line known as the “fortress belt,” where Ukrainian forces continue to resist repeated Russian attempts to advance. Ukrainian Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russian troops are trying to gain ground using small infiltration groups and sabotage tactics.
Military officials reported that fighting has intensified over the past month, with dozens of attacks recorded in the area. Ukrainian forces say they are actively countering these attempts and maintaining defensive positions around the city.
A battlefield monitoring group, DeepState, indicated that Russian troops are now positioned very close to the southern outskirts of Kostiantynivka, with some nearby zones still under disputed control.
Russian defence authorities claimed earlier that they had taken control of nearby villages, while continuing operations from multiple directions around the city. However, Ukraine says its forces are still holding key positions and preventing a full breakthrough.
The ongoing conflict is part of Russia’s broader push in eastern Ukraine, where small territorial gains have come after long and intense battles. Large urban centres remain difficult for Russian forces to fully capture, according to military reports.
Kostiantynivka remains strategically important as both sides continue heavy fighting in the Donetsk region, with no immediate sign of a slowdown in clashes or ground movements.
