Occupiers are stepping up pressure on Kostiantynivka from three directions – DeepState
Analysts from the DeepState project report that Russian forces have expanded their advance south of Illinivka and are actively infiltrating from the direction of Stupochky and Predtechyne. According to their data, the northern part of Kostiantynivka is under threat due to a shortage of infantry in the units holding the line.
The latest update to the DeepState map shows that the red zone has expanded south of Illinivka—it is there that the occupiers are persistently advancing, attempting to establish control over the area around Kostiantynivka. The zone of penetration into the city is also expanding—analysts view this as a sign of the enemy’s gradual takeover of the settlement.
The capture of Berestok has given Russia the opportunity to build up infantry forces there for further infiltration. If Illinivka falls under the occupiers’ control, it will provide them with even more routes to penetrate deeper into the city.
From the east, in the area of Stupochok and Predtechny, the enemy is also attempting to breach the defenses. The key target in this direction is Novodmytrivka: by capturing this village, the occupiers will gain another foothold for infiltrating the city.
According to DeepState’s assessment, the parallel pressure on Illinivka and Novodmytrivka threatens the northern part of Kostiantynivka. The enemy’s goal is to cut off communication between different parts of the city, dividing its defenses into isolated sections. At the same time, Kostiantynivka is under constant attack from guided airstrikes: fighters interviewed by analysts confirm the constant activity of enemy pilots and unrelenting pressure from the infantry.
The main problem facing the units defending Kostiantynivka is a shortage of personnel. According to DeepState, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine raised the issue of reducing the intake of infantry into brigades under the so-called “fair distribution rule,” which already limits reinforcements to 50 personnel per month. The argument cited is the parallel formation of new brigades alongside existing but understaffed ones.
DeepState cites the testimony of a soldier from one of these brigades: half the personnel have deserted due to the command’s mistreatment, and the combat officers who remain are performing maintenance work—painting fences and mowing lawns. Meanwhile, assault regiments have between 12 and 15 battalions at their disposal.
For more details, see the DeepState report.
As a reminder, Poland has scrambled its combat aircraft in response to Russia’s large-scale air attack on Ukraine.
The Russian attack damaged energy and oil and gas infrastructure, and there are casualties.
