Panic! Konstantinovka ‘falls’: Slavyansk/Kramatorsk next in line
Russian forces have breached Konstantinovka's defenses and are advancing inside the city, with Ukrainian forces facing encirclement and potential full capture by month's end.
Panic is spreading in Kyiv and Brussels as the defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Konstantinovka can no longer withstand Russian pressure and is showing signs of collapse. According to reports, which both warring sides acknowledge, Russian assault groups have “broken through” the perimeter of the city and are already inside it, establishing bridgeheads.
The situation for Ukrainian forces in the city is critical. Almost all UAV operators appear to have been neutralized, a fact that gives Russian assault groups free rein to immediately expand their advance even deeper into Konstantinovka.
Clearing in the west, encirclement in the east
Russian assault groups have driven the Ukrainians out of multi-story buildings in the western part of the city, across almost the entire sector.
Ukrainian forces remain north of Smidt Street, however the clearing of the western section is expected to be completed in the coming days.
In the eastern section, Ukrainian forces are under attack from two sides simultaneously – from Novodmitrovka and from the railway station – and have found themselves in an encirclement position.
In the central section they are retreating toward the industrial zone. With the resupply of the Armed Forces of Ukraine cut off for days now, their fate is estimated to have already been decided.
Map
Full capture by end of June – Slavyansk and Kramatorsk in the crosshairs
If the pace of advance is maintained, Konstantinovka is estimated to be fully captured by the end of June. The city constitutes the last major defensive “fortress” south of the Slavyansk – Kramatorsk axis.
The Druzhkivka zone to the southwest remains open, however in the meantime Russian forces will be able to begin operational encirclement of the two cities, according to reports.
