Putin has new plan for Ukraine’s fortress city — and he may be counting on Trump to make it happen, expert says
Russia is using diplomatic channels to force Ukraine to withdraw from Kostiantynivka, Defense Express director Serhii Zhurets told Espreso.
Russian forces have taken control of a section of the Donbas city of Kostiantynivka, but the city is not entirely under their reach as Ukrainian troops maintain a foothold in other parts. This control over just a part of the city is part of Russia's strategy to weaken Ukraine's defense in the Donetsk region, which has been contested since 2014.
Kostiantynivka is seen as a crucial fortress in this region, protecting the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk area, a significant urban belt. However, experts are skeptical of Russia's claims of total control, pointing out that the city is split by the Kryvyi Torets River into zones under different control. Russia's move to take control of Kostiantynivka is driven by their desire to create a "humanitarian" corridor to force Ukraine to withdraw from the city, according to a defense expert.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has dismissed Russia's claims, suggesting that the move is part of a larger strategy to bleed the Russian army, which has suffered heavy losses in recent months. This strategy is seen as a tactic to wear down support for Ukraine, as Russia attempts to shape the security architecture of Europe.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
