Russian Build‑Up Cornering Kostyantynivka Threatens Donbas

Tue Jun 23 2026 10:40:20 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Kremlin's latest push to encircle Kostyantynivka could pave the way for a full seizure of Ukraine’s Donbas, tightening pressure on eastern strongholds.

Russian forces have infiltrated the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostyantynivka and begun encircling it, turning the once‑controlled area into a contested grey zone. The city lies on a critical supply route into the Donbas region, and its fall would allow Russian troops to push toward Kramatorsk, Sloviansk and potentially seize the whole Donbas. Ukrainian commanders insist the situation remains under control, but anonymous local drone pilots report Russian units are steadily reinforcing their positions amid heavy aerial and ground counter‑attacks. Moscow claims rapid advances, yet Ukrainian narratives point to limited resources and slow progress on the front lines. The clash highlights the strategic tug‑of‑war over supply lines and has amplified Russian fuel shortages while escalating attacks on their oil infrastructure.

Russian Build‑Up Cornering Kostyantynivka Threatens Donbas

Russian troops have infiltrated the strategic city of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine and are now moving to surround it, a move that could set the stage for the annexation of the Donbas region.

A Russian infantryman stands in Kostyantynivka — Reuters – Russian troops advance in Kostyantynivka, Ukraine

The city has slipped into a "grey zone," no longer under the control of any single side, according to Ukrainian soldiers who briefed the BBC. Russian soldiers have appeared on both the southern and northern edges of the town, signalling a broadening encirclement.

If Kostyantynivka falls, Russian forces would be able to push toward Ukraine’s last remaining strongholds in the east – Kramatorsk and Sloviansk – and could eventually claim the entire Donbas, a long‑term Kremlin goal for the war.

Brigadier General Oleksandr Bakulin, commander of Ukraine’s 19th Corps that defends the city, assures the military situation remains under control and denies any advance on Russian troops. He acknowledges that an estimated 130 Russian soldiers retain positions inside the town.

In the heat of the conflict, Ukrainian drone pilots—and anonymous sources on the ground—reveal that Russian forces have begun using cheaper Chinese drones, relying on close proximity rather than sophisticated technology to spot and attack Ukrainian launch sites.

The Ukrainian side stresses that logistical support is fraught, with land routes under constant attack and supply drones frequently intercepted. The cumulative effect is a growing danger for Ukrainian forces, with many frontline units struggling to receive reinforcements.

Overall, the situation in Kostyantynivka remains a major crisis on the front line, with Ukrainian analysts warning that the city’s fall is a matter of time. This shift threatens to complicate logistics and could push remaining Ukrainian positions in the region to greater risk.