In the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast has become a crucial target for Russian forces. As tensions escalate, experts warn of potential advancements from Chasiv Yar and Toretsk towards Kostiantynivka, posing a significant threat to the region. The head of Defense Express, Serhii Zgurets, highlights the strategic importance of this city, emphasizing the intense battle for control between Ukrainian defenders and Russian occupiers.
Russian forces have intensified their efforts to capture Donetsk Oblast, focusing on key fronts in Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, and Toretsk. Despite facing substantial losses, with estimates indicating over 1,000 casualties per day, Russian troops have managed to make incremental progress in the area. Their ultimate goal is to reach the administrative boundaries of Donetsk Oblast and potentially extend their influence towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, raising concerns among military experts and local residents alike.
Zgurets underscores the current control of Russian forces over the central part of Toretsk and its western approaches, noting that a spoil tip located in the north serves as a critical defense point for Ukraine. He points out the Russian strategy to create preconditions for advancing towards Kostiantynivka following the capture of Toretsk. Despite these intentions, Ukrainian defenders have valiantly held their ground in Toretsk for over seven months, thwarting repeated attempts by Russian troops to gain control.
Recent reports from Russian sources suggest a potential redeployment of occupying army units from the Velyka Novosilka area to reinforce the Toretsk front. This development further underscores the significance of Kostiantynivka as a focal point for Russian forces, who are expected to launch operations from both Chasiv Yar and Toretsk. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine remains vigilant about the risks posed by Russia’s advancing forces, implementing tactical changes and deploying reserves to counter the threat effectively.
In the face of escalating hostilities, the number of combat engagements along the front line has fluctuated, with a notable decrease in clashes reported by the General Staff. While peak numbers reached 295 clashes in December, recent data from February 10 shows a decrease to 99 engagements, with a concentration in the Pokrovsk and Kursk sectors. Zgurets emphasizes the importance of these tactical shifts in halting Russian assaults and maintaining a defensive posture against further advancements.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces achieved a significant milestone on February 8 by shooting down a Russian Su-25 attack aircraft near Toretsk. This success, confirmed by the press service of the Ukrainian unit responsible for countering Russian aircraft, demonstrates the resilience and determination of Ukrainian defenders in the face of adversity. As the situation continues to evolve, developments in the region underscore the critical importance of Kostiantynivka as a key battleground in the broader conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
