Russia is preparing new offensives near Kostiantynivka, according to the ISW
Russian forces have concentrated approximately 11,000 troops in the Kostiantynivka–Druzhkivka tactical area and are continuing their attempts to advance in that direction.
According to analysts, Russian units recently made a minor advance near Sloviansk.
Geolocation data from June 17 shows Ukrainian forces striking two Russian vehicles on the Siversk–Liman highway.
The attack took place during a joint motorized assault by Russian forces on June 16. Meanwhile, Russian military bloggers claim to be advancing south of Lyman, while other sources report Ukrainian counterattacks near Drobysheve.
According to the ISW, the Russian Ministry of Defense continues to disseminate false or exaggerated reports about its “successes” in the Sloviansk sector.
It is also noted that the Russian side is using AI-generated videos to illustrate combat operations that do not correspond to the actual situation.
In the Kostiantynivka–Druzhkivka area, Russian forces are continuing their infiltration attempts. According to the Ukrainian military, the enemy is attempting to operate in small assault groups.
It is reported that during one such attempt, Russian troops even raised flags in the central part of Kostiantynivka; however, they do not control the city.
A spokesperson for one of the Ukrainian brigades noted that Russia is concentrating its forces for offensive operations using small groups.
The commander of the 19th Army Corps stated:
“Russian groups, some consisting of as few as a single soldier, have infiltrated various districts of Kostiantynivka,” he said, adding that the occupiers do not control any part of the city.
According to estimates by the Ukrainian military, there are approximately 123–125 Russian soldiers directly in Kostiantynivka, while the main forces remain on the outskirts of the city.
The main directions of the Russian attacks are west, east, and northeast.
According to officers, Ukrainian units are inflicting casualties on the enemy as it advances toward the line of contact.
In total, there are approximately 11,000 Russian troops in the Kostiantynivka–Druzhkivka tactical area, including frontline and rear units.
The situation in the area remains tense, with Russian forces constantly attempting to carry out assaults and infiltration operations.
This is reported in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
In addition, Russian occupation forces have sharply intensified their shelling of the Zaporizhzhia region, using a wide range of weapons against the civilian population. Over the past 24 hours, the enemy attacked more than 50 settlements in the region, resulting in four people being wounded. Ukrainian intelligence warns of a Kremlin order to escalate drone attacks against the regional capital.
Over the past day, Ukrainian defenders eliminated 1,370 Russian soldiers. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine also updated data on enemy equipment and weapon losses on the front lines as of June 19, 2026.
