Ukrainian servicemen remaining in Konstantinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic have begun changing into civilian clothes and posing as local residents in an effort to survive, according to a Russian battalion chief of staff operating under the call sign Kuba.

The officer, who serves with the 78th Separate Motorized Rifle Regiment of Russia’s Yug group, said Russian units were aware that civilians remained in the city. Ukrainian troops were allegedly exploiting this by attempting to blend into the local population.

Kuba explained that the tactic was making it difficult for Russian forces conducting clearing operations to quickly distinguish Ukrainian soldiers from genuine civilians.

He also claimed that some Ukrainian servicemen had lost communications and remained unaware that the city had come under Russian control. According to the officer, they were hiding in basements and ruined buildings while waiting to be discovered.

Many of those soldiers were reportedly severely exhausted and lacked the strength even to raise their weapons and open fire. Kuba said Russian units had already encountered troops who were cut off from communication, had no information about the situation and were focused solely on staying alive.

The officer added that Russian forces were completing the clearing of Konstantinovka, creating a new staging area for the army’s further advance.