Southern gateway to Ukraine’s defense: The New York Times assessed the prospect of Russian forces capturing Kostyantynivka

The Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) are facing a threatening situation on the approaches to Kostyantynivka, the capture of which could open the way for Russian forces to advance into the northern part of Donetsk region.

This was reported by The New York Times.

“The city is the southern gateway to a chain of towns that form Ukraine’s last major defensive belt in Donetsk region. If it falls, almost all towns further north will come under the range of Russian drones. This would bring Moscow closer to its long-awaited goal — the full capture of the Donbas,” the article states.

According to the newspaper, the Russian offensive on Kostyantynivka may take several months and could proceed either through direct assault or flanking maneuvers to force the UAF to retreat. Drones have become a major advantage for Russia in this battle.

“Before, they could strike targets within a two- or three-kilometer radius. Now, they are delivering strikes every 10–20 minutes at a steady distance of 15 kilometers from the front line. Everything within this 15-kilometer zone is being destroyed,” said a commander from the 93rd Brigade operating unmanned systems.

Russian forces have created a 16-kilometer-wide pocket around Ukrainian troops defending Kostyantynivka, partially encircling them from the east, south, and west. This pocket is fully covered by fire, and nearly every movement by Ukrainian soldiers is monitored around the clock by drones.

As a result, the UAF often finds itself in a difficult position — sometimes going weeks without rotation or the ability to evacuate the wounded.

“It’s extremely difficult to deliver supplies, rotate troops, or do anything at all,” said Officer Makas of the 12th Azov Brigade.