Kostiantynivka situation worsening fast with Russians now spotted in Oleksiyevo-Druzhkivka, Ukrainian soldiers say
The situation in Kostiantynivka is worsening, with Russian forces now being spotted beyond the city itself in the village of Oleksiyevo-Druzhkivka to the east, three soldiers from units defending the city told hromadske.
"Things are very bad in Kostiantynivka. It's not a question of whether we'll lose 'Konstakha' or not — we've effectively already lost it. If there's a large number of Russians there, you can't really say we're holding it. They're just pushing our guys into a corner. Holding 'Konstakha' isn't really on the table anymore," one soldier said, using a colloquial nickname for the city.
Another unit commander told hromadske that he is still rotating infantry through positions in the city, but that it has become "very difficult."
"They're effectively cutting off Kostiantynivka. Molocharivka is already essentially under [Russian control], since we spotted and destroyed a mortar position there. They're also moving into Izhevka. My units aren't surrounded. Overall, we're holding on. But another month or two, and [encirclement] could happen if they keep advancing around us," the commander said.
A third soldier said logistics into the city have become difficult and "nearly impossible" due to the terrain.
"If this continues, things will obviously keep getting worse, and quickly. We need fundamental changes to our approach and containment tactics before any offensive planning can even be considered," the source in Ukraine's Defense Forces said.
hromadske reported on the critical situation in Kostiantynivka in June. Commanders defending the city predicted at the time that it could fall by the end of summer without additional reinforcements.