On Saturday, the Russian Ministry of Defence announced the alleged “liberation” of the village of Kostyantynopilske, located about eight kilometres southwest of the industrial town of Kurakhove in Donetsk region. The statement was spread by Russia’s leading propaganda agencies, citing an official communiqué.
According to the Russian military, their forces have made progress in this area in recent months. At the same time, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Friday reported intense fighting in the area of Kurakhove, where the enemy is trying to advance north of the city.
There has been no official confirmation from the Ukrainian side of the loss of Kostiantynopilske. The Ukrainian Armed Forces emphasise that defence in this area continues despite constant enemy pressure.
Kurakhove remains a strategically important target for the Russian military, which is seeking to break through Ukrainian defences in Donbas. However, analysts point out that even in the event of temporary tactical successes, it is difficult for Russian troops to hold the captured positions due to significant losses in manpower and equipment.
The situation in the region remains tense, and attempts by the Russian military to advance in key areas are met with fierce resistance from Ukrainian defenders.
