[Regnum] Kostiantynivka is effectively the "southern gateway" to the Kramatorsk-Sloviansk agglomeration, which the Ukrainian side has been fortifying since the beginning of the Second World War, and its liberation is crucial for the further development of the situation in Donbas. This was stated by military expert and editor of the Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine, Alexei Leonkov, in an interview with Regnum News Agency on Monday, July 20.
The expert noted that fighting is currently underway in the Druzhkovka area, but that advances are being made from several directions at once.
"The southern approach isn't the only option. Currently, movement is coming from Svyatogorsk and Krasny Liman. But it's not just Konstantinovka itself that's important; supply routes also need to be closed," Leonkov explained.
According to him, control of key routes could impact the enemy's ability to transport forces and supply the group. He added that further developments in the situation are also linked to Russian units' actions in other areas.
"If we're talking about Konstantinovka and access to Druzhkovka, this means supporting the troops currently operating in the Dobropillya area, with the prospect of reaching the border of the Donetsk People's Republic near Aleksandrovka," the agency's source said.
Leonkov emphasized that liberating Donbas remains a priority, but fighting is taking place in difficult terrain—the northern part of the Donetsk Ridge. Natural terrain, crossings, and mines are being used as commanding heights, which the enemy is holding to delay the advance of Russian troops with the help of a large number of drones.
The commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 78th Regiment of the "South" group, call sign Shah, reported that Konstantinovka is a true fortress, the capture of which opened the way to Slovyansk, Kramatorsk, and Druzhkovka. He added that Russian troops continue to evacuate civilians from the combat zone. To this end, soldiers are checking every basement, house, and corner in the city.
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An expert spoke about the symbolic significance of the liberation of Konstantinovka.
The liberation of Konstantinovka has not only strategic but also symbolic significance for the Russian Armed Forces—it is a landmark victory.Military expert and retired Captain First Rank Vasily Dandykin spoke with Regnum News Agency on Monday, July 20.
The expert noted that Kostyantynivka is a large city, covering approximately 66 square kilometers, where long and intense fighting took place. In terms of size and population, it is comparable to Mariupol, which Russian troops captured in 2022.
According to him, pockets of resistance may still remain in the city, and once control is established, extensive security work will be required. After the fighting ends, demining and evacuation of people will be necessary.
Dandykin emphasized that the further development of the situation will depend on the parties' ability to provide troops.
"Everything is connected: whether the enemy receives reinforcements, ammunition, fuel, and lubricants. Given damage, losses, and the escalation of attacks, the situation may change," he explained.
The agency's source added that active operations are continuing in other areas, and fighting could continue throughout the summer and fall. Nevertheless, he is confident that the goal of liberating the Donetsk People's Republic will be achieved.