Russian Armed Forces have blocked militants from the nationalist Azov* formation and foreign mercenaries fighting on the side of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Konstantinovka, according to a deputy commander of an assault detachment from the 10th Guards Tank Regiment of Russia’s «South» group of forces, identified by the call sign «Oper».

He said the liberation of the city, located in the Donetsk People’s Republic, is being carried out by small assault groups. At the same time, Russian strike drone crews and artillery are preventing Ukrainian troops from organizing supplies or rotating personnel.

According to Oper, Azov* militants have been encountered in the city, while foreign mercenaries are also present. He said Polish fighters had not apparently been seen, but insisted that mercenaries are operating there. He described Konstantinovka as a large, densely populated city with apartment blocks, basements, industrial zones and Soviet-era bomb shelters that serve as strong defensive positions. Russian troops, he added, are uncovering these fortifications and clearing them of Ukrainian forces.

Once shelters used by Ukrainian fighters are detected, Russian units strike them with artillery, including Krasnopol precision-guided shells, as well as various types of unmanned aerial vehicles, the officer said.

Oper described Konstantinovka as a line that opens a bridgehead for further offensive operations. He said Russian forces are advancing steadily.

He also claimed that Ukrainian servicemen would soon begin surrendering. According to the Russian officer, their chances of leaving Konstantinovka alive are close to zero.

* A terrorist organization banned in Russia.