Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi Visits 19th Corps Defending the Kostiantynivka-Druzhkivka Agglomeration, Confirms Russian Military Activity

Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, visited the 19th Corps, which is tasked with defensive operations in the Kostiantynivka-Druzhkivka agglomeration. During his visit on Tuesday, April 7, he noted that Russian forces are attempting to improve their tactical position in this strategically significant section of the front.

Syrskyi highlighted that Russian military units are combining small infantry group attacks with massive drone strikes, indicating their efforts to intensify combat operations. He emphasized that for nearly a year, the 19th Corps has successfully repelled enemy attempts to capture Kostiantynivka, maintaining their positions and inflicting significant losses on the adversary.

The Commander also pointed out that priority areas of focus remain targeting the rear logistics of the occupiers, neutralizing enemy infantry at the onset of assaults, and preserving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers amidst high-intensity combat. He stressed the importance of analyzing proposals from commanders regarding the urgent needs of their units, which is critical for the effectiveness of defense.

Syrskyi reported that key aspects discussed during the visit included enhancing capabilities to counter enemy drones, supplying ammunition, and other logistical resources necessary for conducting military operations. "As a result of the discussions, several problematic issues raised by commanders on-site were promptly addressed," the Commander added.

Spokesperson for the 11th Army Corps, which is conducting defensive operations in the agglomeration area, Dmytro Zaporozeць, stated that Russian command plans to occupy Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region by April 25. According to him, the nature of Russian actions indicates their attempts to directly enter the populated area, raising serious concerns among Ukrainian military personnel.

On March 26, in Kostiantynivka, soldiers from the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign, along with units from other branches of the military, repelled a combined attack by Russian forces from four directions. This event underscored the increasing tension in the region and the necessity of supporting defensive positions.

On March 12, the analytical project DeepState reported that Russian invaders had intensified their actions, sending infantry to storm the settlements of Rodynske and Hryshyne, attempting to identify weaknesses in Ukrainian defenses to approach Kostiantynivka. This increase in activity along the Huliaipole direction has also raised concerns among military analysts.

On February 13, the 19th Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine refuted Russian claims of the "capture" of Kostiantynivka by publishing a video showing Ukrainian soldiers freely moving through the city and the railway station. This fact confirms that Ukrainian forces continue to control the situation in the region, despite ongoing attempts by the adversary.