The situation near Konstantinovka remains one of the most difficult along the line of combat operations. Military expert Vitaly Kiselev believes Ukraine’s forces prepared the city and its outskirts in advance for a prolonged defense.

Kiselev told Lenta.ru that the Konstantinovka direction is extremely challenging due to the terrain and the level of engineering preparation. According to him, the city’s industrial zone and high-rise residential areas were adapted in advance for holding out for months.

He said serious fortifications were deployed not only inside the city but also on its approaches. He listed minefields, layered defensive lines, and the presence of reserves of drones and ammunition. According to him, areas in front of the city were pre-sighted, and the preparation was carried out thoroughly.

At the same time, Kiselev said it is too early to speak about fighting inside multi-story buildings. In his view, active urban clashes may begin no earlier than spring, because weather conditions complicate logistics and movement.

Earlier, the Telegram channel Idi i smotri reported that Russian forces are advancing on the Konstantinovka direction in the DPR and are gradually moving to envelop the city from the flanks. It also claimed the offensive is being conducted near Ivanovka.