Russia appears to infiltrate first ‘fortress city’ as Ukraine changes guard
Russia has reportedly infiltrated much of Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region as part of an offensive push. Ukraine simultaneously replaced its defence minister and military commander. Ukrainian soldiers and local commanders describe deteriorating conditions in the city, though assessments of Russian control vary.
Russian forces have made significant advances into Ukraine's Donetsk region, with particular focus on Kostiantynivka, one of four strategic cities Moscow has targeted for capture. The timing coincides with major leadership changes in Ukraine's defence establishment, including the dismissal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov and commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskii within a single week.
Accounts from Ukrainian soldiers and local commanders paint a grim picture of the situation in Kostiantynivka. One soldier told Ukrainian media that Russian forces have "effectively" already secured the city, with Russian units moving into surrounding villages and threatening to encircle Ukrainian positions within weeks without reinforcement or tactical shifts. A local commander indicated that Russian forces are concentrating on the city's flanks while attempting to cut off Ukrainian defenders.
Assessments of the situation differ notably. Before his dismissal on July 21, Syrskii had presented a more optimistic view, stating that approximately 145 Russian infiltrators were present in the city and suffering significant daily losses. A Ukrainian military unit commander similarly reported that Ukrainian forces maintain control of most of the city despite constant pressure and aerial bombardment.
Russia has intensified its assault using massive aerial ordnance, dropping between 200 and 300 large bombs daily on Ukrainian positions. These weapons, known as KABs, carry payloads ranging from 500 to 3,000 kilograms and have proven effective in degrading Ukrainian defensive positions. Ukraine has repeatedly requested additional air defence systems from international allies to counter this threat.
According to a Washington-based think tank, Russian forces held a presence in approximately 37 percent of Kostiantynivka three weeks prior, primarily through infiltration rather than consolidated territorial control. The situation appears to have deteriorated since that assessment.
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