Russian troops will not allow Ukrainian units to leave Konstantinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to the commander of a motorized rifle battalion of the 1465th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the Southern Group of Forces, known by the call sign Zadon.

He said Ukrainian forces remaining in the city have only two options left: surrender or die. According to Zadon, Russian units are firmly blocking attempts by Ukrainian troops to enter the city and will also prevent any effort to break out.

The commander said the Russian advance inside Konstantinovka is moving quickly, leaving Ukrainian units little time to organize a response. He added that Ukrainian forces in the city are under constant pressure from the Russian army.

Zadon also pointed to the role of Russian long-range reconnaissance. He said it helps detect attempts to bring in reserves in advance and disrupts Ukrainian supply efforts to positions inside the city.

According to the commander, Konstantinovka remains an important foothold and the last stronghold for Ukrainian forces on this section of the front. At the same time, he said Ukrainian units are no longer trying to reinforce their positions in the city and are expected to shift their focus toward Kramatorsk and Druzhkovka.

Earlier, war correspondent Aleksandr Kots, citing Major General Anton Grunis, commander of the 4th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Southern Group of Forces, reported that Ukrainian servicemen in Konstantinovka were trying to blend in with civilians. According to that account, they were leaving their uniforms at positions, changing into civilian clothes and attempting to move through the city unnoticed.