The occupiers have set a deadline for the capture of Kostiantynivka
The Russian military command has set another deadline for its units: to capture the city of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region by April 25, 2026.
However, Ukrainian defenders holding the line in this sector are skeptical about the enemy’s ability to carry out these plans within the set timeframe.
Dmytro Zaporozhets, a spokesperson for the 11th Army Corps, noted in a comment to RBC-Ukraine that the nature of the enemy’s actions indicates attempts to move directly into residential areas.
This approach allows the occupiers to conceal their personnel, but at the same time inevitably draws them into grueling urban combat, which significantly slows their advance.
The military official explained that the invaders are currently unable to carry out flanking maneuvers, and frontal assaults in urban environments are too time-consuming.
“Therefore, the timelines they have set for themselves can be multiplied by N months. If they carry out active assault operations and throw all their resources into capturing Kostiantynivka—then, in my opinion, they might succeed, but not before October,” Zaporozhets emphasized.
The enemy’s tactics involve an offensive in several waves. First, the Russians use the fastest possible vehicles—motorcycles, buggies, and passenger cars—to rapidly close in on positions, and only then do they bring in heavy armored vehicles with troops.
The main goal of such actions is to gain a foothold on the outskirts of the city and force street fighting.
In addition to local objectives, the Kremlin continues to dream of a full-scale occupation of Donetsk region. According to sources in military circles, Moscow has set the goal of reaching the administrative borders of the region by the end of 2026.
In this regard, Kostiantynivka is a strategically important hub, the capture of which opens the way for further expansion.
As a reminder, the occupiers have come up with a new excuse for the water shortage in Donbas.
Russian troops also attacked Zaporizhzhia, resulting in casualties and injuries.
