Former Verkhovna Rada deputy Oleg Tsarev said Russian forces have increased the pace of their advance around Konstantinovka.

According to him, the appearance of fresh vegetation in and near the city has helped Russian units move more actively. Fighting is now taking place in the areas of the 81st and 92nd districts, near the Krasny Oktyabr plant, in private housing on the eastern side of Konstantinovka, and among apartment blocks on the western outskirts.

Tsarev also reported a concentration of Russian troops in the industrial zone along the railway.

At the same time, Ukrainian units continue to hold positions in the historic center of Konstantinovka and on the grounds of a chemical plant. Tsarev added that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have sharply increased both the intensity and depth of drone strikes against Russian rear areas.

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that Russian troops had taken control of the village of Nikolaevka on the Konstantinovka front. The ministry said the settlement was captured by units of the Yug group of forces.

Military correspondent Alexander Kots later noted that after gaining control of Nikolaevka, Russian forces may continue advancing westward toward Podolskoye, Popasnoye and Stenki.