Russian Forces Continue Assaults on Kostiantynivka but Do Not Control the City, Ukrainian Officer Says
Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region — July 2026 — Russian forces continue attempts to advance into the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka, but they have not established full control over the city, according to a Ukrainian military officer. Despite Russian claims of capturing the settlement, Ukrainian defenders say the situation remains under their control and fighting continues.
The statement was made by an officer of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilinskyi, with the call sign “Yizhak,” during an interview on the national telethon United News. The comments were reported by the Ukrainian media outlet Vilne Radio.
According to the officer, Russian troops are attempting to infiltrate Kostiantynivka using small infantry groups. Their goal is to enter the city, find positions, and establish a presence, but Ukrainian forces are conducting operations to detect and eliminate these groups.
“Enemy statements about full control do not correspond with reality,” the officer said, according to Vilne Radio’s report. He added that Russian units continue trying to send soldiers into the city in hopes that some of them will manage to remain unnoticed and secure positions.
A Strategy of Gradual Pressure
The Ukrainian military describes the Russian approach as a strategy based on constant pressure and gradual infiltration rather than large-scale advances. Small groups of infantry are repeatedly sent toward the city, attempting to exploit gaps and create footholds.
Earlier reports from Vilne Radio indicated that Russian forces had also been using infiltration tactics in the Kostiantynivka direction, with Ukrainian military officials describing attempts by individual soldiers or small groups to approach Ukrainian positions.
The fighting around Kostiantynivka remains part of Russia’s broader offensive operations in Donetsk region, where cities and towns have faced continued attacks, artillery strikes, and pressure on Ukrainian defensive lines.
Battle for Information as Well as Territory
Alongside battlefield developments, Kostiantynivka has also become a focus of competing information narratives. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly rejected Russian claims that the city has been fully captured, while emphasizing that the situation remains difficult and requires continued defense efforts.
Military analysts and Ukrainian sources note that controlling urban areas requires more than temporary infiltration. Establishing stable positions, maintaining supply routes, and holding territory are key factors in determining control over a city.
Kostiantynivka Remains a Key Frontline City
Located in Donetsk region, Kostiantynivka has strategic importance due to its position within Ukraine’s eastern defense network. The city has experienced significant pressure throughout the war, with attacks affecting both military infrastructure and civilian areas.
As Russian forces continue their attempts to advance, Ukrainian defenders say they remain focused on preventing enemy units from establishing control inside the city.
For now, according to the 36th Marine Brigade officer cited by Vilne Radio, Russian forces continue their assaults — but claims of full control over Kostiantynivka remain unconfirmed and are rejected by Ukrainian military sources.
