Russian Troops Approach Key Ukrainian Stronghold

Russian troops are gradually approaching the town of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine, part of a heavily fortified defensive zone. Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russian forces were trying to penetrate the outskirts mainly through infiltration tactics, but that the Ukrainian army had so far repelled their attacks.

The DeepState analytics project reported that Russian forces were about 1 km from the southern edge of the town, with some areas already marked as so-called grey zones where neither side has control.

Russia also claimed to have captured a nearby village, increasing pressure on Ukrainian defenses in the area.

The intensity of the fighting is reportedly rising, with Russian forces launching dozens of attacks in recent days, mostly in small groups.

Kostyantynivka is one of Ukraine’s important strongholds, and any weakening of its defenses could affect the situation on the wider front.

(reuters, mja)