Crucial weeks ahead as Ukrainian troops warn major city could fall

Ukrainian troops fighting for Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region are warning of the risk of losing the city.

This was reported by Hromadske, citing military sources.

According to commanders, their units are unable to eliminate all Russian troops infiltrating Konstantinivka, as the same forces holding the city have also been tasked with clearing operations. They add that additional assault units are only now being deployed to the area.

“Until we cut off this route, the situation will not change,” one serviceman said.

What could save the city from falling

According to one commander, a critical factor will be the proper distribution of Ukrainian forces.

The officer stresses that defensive units should not also be conducting search-and-strike operations, as this results in mission overload.

"If some units handle search-and-strike actions while others hold the front line, then I think everything will be fine. But if we disperse our forces and force the same units to do everything at once, it will end with the enemy simply infiltrating and accumulating strength. Essentially, the same thing happened with Pokrovsk, Avdiivka, and other cities," he said.

The city's future will also depend on what forces and assets the Ukrainian command is ready to allocate to hold the defense, the commander says.

Could Ukrainian forces drive Russians out if the city falls?

However, even if Russia fully captures the city, Ukrainian forces could isolate it and contain enemy troops inside, the officer said.

“We can effectively put their forces on short rations. There is already almost nothing left to eat in the buildings they are occupying. I wouldn't send infantry into the city,” he said.

The commander believes Russian units could end up trapped.

“Konstantinivka has a natural defensive line, a ravine that effectively splits the city in two. Beyond it lie open fields and extensive defensive fortifications. If Konstantinivka is successfully isolated, Russian units could find themselves trapped. The city could be turned into a kill zone. There is no catastrophe here. The priority is to protect our troops and inflict maximum losses on the enemy,” he said.

Yaryi, a battalion commander with Ukraine's 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade, believes the city can still be saved. However, not everyone shares that view. Some soldiers say the city's defense may be nearing its final stage.

“Given how rapidly the situation is developing, the problems will only grow worse over time. Losing Konstantinivka by the end of summer is a very real possibility. The enemy is applying enormous pressure,” one brigade commander said.