The Russian army is intensifying its offensive against the Ukrainian town of Kostiantynivka, aiming to seize full control of the entire Donbas region. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov allegedly stated on April 12 that Russia has gained almost complete control over Luhansk Oblast, but about 18% of Donetsk Oblast remains outside its control. This development highlights the escalating military actions in the area, where Ukrainian forces continue to resist despite facing significant pressure from the advancing troops.
In an interview with DW, a Ukrainian military unit commander known as "Lys" (Fox) reported that Russian troops are attempting to infiltrate Kostiantynivka from surrounding forests. He explained, "They are probing the entire front and looking for places where they can either infiltrate or drive a wedge into the defensive line." Lys described the town as "a thorn in the side" of the Russian army, warning that its fall would open the way for advances on key cities like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, potentially leading to a broader collapse of Ukrainian defenses in the region.
Alongside military pressure, the Russian government is purportedly exerting diplomatic efforts, having previously demanded the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from all of Donbas during peace talks. However, the Kyiv regime has firmly rejected this demand, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressing fears that Russia could use the area as a launchpad for attacks on other regions. Zelenskyy emphasized that the region houses strong defensive structures and approximately 200,000 civilians, making its surrender unthinkable for Ukrainian leadership.
The humanitarian situation in Kostiantynivka is dire, with the town's pre-war population of 70,000 now unclear due to limited evacuation options. Evacuation is only possible on foot via a road covered by a damaged anti-drone net, leaving many residents trapped. Local civilians, such as a woman named Ninel and an older man named Vitaliy, described living in constant fear and despair. Vitaliy told DW, "But where else am I supposed to go? I don't have long left to live anyway," reflecting the hopelessness faced by those remaining in the conflict zone.
The fighting extends beyond Kostiantynivka to nearby cities like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, where daily life is increasingly disrupted by Russian attacks. On March 29, the Russian army launched an assault on Kramatorsk with several aerial bombs, killing three people, including a 13-year-old boy. In Sloviansk, a hotel was destroyed by Shahed drone strikes. Civilian aid worker Vladyslav Samusenko, who organizes evacuations, noted that many retirees choose to stay, while some young men avoid mobilization. He added, "We have too few fighters. Our soldiers are tired, and there are no replacements," underscoring the strain on Ukrainian forces as the offensive continues.
Source: www.dw.com