Russian forces control the airspace over Konstantinovka, according to the commander of an anti-aircraft missile battery of the 1465th motorized rifle regiment of the «South» group of forces, who uses the call sign «Pamir».

He said Ukrainian drone activity had decreased after Russian units struck nearby UAV control points. According to the commander, Ukrainian forces have been forced to operate drones from longer distances, but Russian troops continue to intercept and destroy those UAVs as well.

«Pamir» also said that Russian assault units are being covered during advances with the help of so-called «zhduny». He noted that the opposing side uses similar systems too, but no longer on the same scale, since its control points have been knocked out. Launching FPV drones from a long distance, he added, requires a serious battery expenditure.

Earlier, on July 3, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the Russian army had fully liberated the city of Konstantinovka. Putin described the development as key to liberating the entire territory of the DPR.

The Russian leader also said control over the city opens a direct route for Russian forces to advance toward Slavyansk and Kramatorsk.