DeepState: Kostiantynivka holds out as enemy attempts to encircle city under guise of humanitarian mission

Active resistance by defenders in Kostiantynivka

The settlement of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region remains under the control of the Defence Forces of Ukraine. Although the city is still in the hands of Ukrainian troops, intense fighting has erupted around it. The monitoring project DeepState detailed the current situation, commenting on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's proposal to organise a so-called "humanitarian mission" in Kostiantynivka, similar to the one carried out in occupied Oleshky.

Enemy attempts to create an encirclement

DeepState analysts emphasise that the battle for the city is not subsiding. According to their data, the situation on the ground is currently extremely difficult due to constant combat clashes. The enemy is infiltrating its units and attempting to build up forces for the further occupation of the territory. Meanwhile, Ukrainian troops are repelling these attempts, making every effort to hold their positions.

«На сьогоднішній день ситуація в місті є надзвичайно складною, адже за нього йдуть активні бої. Противник здійснює просочування та намагається накопичити свої сили для окупації, але українські військові дають відсіч цим спробам і докладають всіх зусиль, щоб втримати населений пункт. Ворог в свою чергу намагається обійти місто та сформувати оточення для угрупування сил українських бійців, які там перебувають. Цьому також пробують запобігти» ("As of today, the situation in the city is extremely difficult, as active fighting is taking place for it. The enemy is infiltrating and trying to build up its forces for occupation, but Ukrainian troops are repelling these attempts and making every effort to hold the settlement. The enemy, in turn, is trying to bypass the city and form an encirclement of the grouping of Ukrainian fighters' forces who are there. They are also trying to prevent this"), the project's specialists said.

Criticism of the "humanitarian mission" initiative

DeepState expressed doubts about the true intentions of the Russian side. Analysts noted that the best humanitarian mission for Kostiantynivka would be the cessation of assault operations by the Russians and the halt to the complete destruction of the city through shelling, which they are carrying out due to their inability to capture the settlement.

«Всі інші спроби — це лицемірство, яким прикривається Путін, щоб скористатися ситуацією для своєї вигоди на полі бою. На таке ні в якому разі погоджуватися не можна» ("All other attempts are hypocrisy, which Putin uses as cover to exploit the situation for his benefit on the battlefield. One must never agree to such things"), the monitoring project's publication stressed.