Ukrainian servicemen in Konstantinovka are trying to avoid detection by blending in with local residents, according to war correspondent Alexander Kots, who cited Major General Anton Grunis, commander of the 4th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of Russia’s Southern Group of Forces.

Grunis said Russian units are holding the areas of the city that had been assigned to them under the operational plan. In the south-western part of Konstantinovka, he said, elements of the 100th and 28th brigades, presumably including «Karpatskaya Sech,» as well as, likely, units from the 49th Separate Assault Battalion and the 156th Brigade, have effectively been blocked. Clearing operations are now being completed in these districts.

According to the commander, the presence of civilians remains one of the main complications inside the city. He said Ukrainian servicemen are abandoning their uniforms at positions, changing into civilian clothing and attempting to move through Konstantinovka among residents.

Grunis also pointed to the large number of drone-system crews used by the opposing side. In his assessment, the reliance on unmanned systems has become both a strength and a vulnerability for Ukrainian forces, as less attention has been given to the infantry component.

The major general said Russian infantry currently has a clear advantage over opposing infantry units.