Russian forces continued their methodical offensive in the central Donbas region over the weekend, moving significantly closer to the strategically important city of Konstantinovka, a major Ukrainian logistics and supply hub.
On Sunday, Russian troops reportedly seized control of Zorya, a town located approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers) southwest of Konstantinovka. The nearby settlement of Romanovka was captured by Russian forces last week, as Ukrainian forces appear to have withdrawn from the pocket to avoid encirclement, according to geolocated footage analyzed by independent sources.
The capture of Zorya brings Russian troops to within 7 miles (12 kilometers) of Konstantinovka’s western outskirts. Simultaneously, Russian units advancing from the east are tightening the noose around the city.
Further south, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the capture of Stupochky, a village situated just south of Chasiv Yar, a flashpoint where fighting has persisted for over a year. The loss of Stupochky may signal a weakening of Ukrainian defensive positions in Chasiv Yar.
Importantly, Stupochky lies only 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the eastern entrance to Konstantinovka, putting the city well within range of Russian artillery and drone strikes. Pressure is also mounting from the west, where Russian forces have reportedly cut off the main highway connecting Konstantinovka to Pokrovsk, a city near which Russian troops have maintained positions on the outskirts since last year.
This coordinated offensive comes amid a sharp escalation in aerial attacks. Ukrainian officials reported that over 300 drones and missiles were launched by Russian forces from Saturday night into Sunday morning—described as one of the most intense barrages since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
In a parallel development, Ukrainian military sources claim that Russian forces are amassing troops and equipment near the Kharkov region, on the northeastern front. This follows recent remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has ordered the creation of a "buffer zone" along the entire Russian-Ukrainian border—an indication that further offensives may be planned beyond Donbas.
As Russian forces advance on multiple fronts, Ukraine’s ability to maintain logistical routes and defensive positions in key cities like Konstantinovka is coming under growing strain.