File image.
On January 13, the Russian military expanded its control in the outskirts of Kostiantynivka and in nearby areas, increasing pressure on Kiev forces which are trying to hold onto the key industrial city in Donetsk.
The Yug [South] Group of Forces made gains in the southeastern outskirts of Kostiantynivka, to the west of Stepanovka, and between Berezka and the Kleban-Bykske Reservoir.
Kostiantynivka is a large industrial city with many high-rise buildings, factories and other structures that gives an advantage to Ukrainian troops holding up inside. Yet, the Yug Group of Forces has been steadily advancing to the south of the city, and continues to operate inside of it, mainly in the southern and southeastern part.
The drone units of the Yug Group of Forces played a key role in facilitating the recent advance in the outskirts of Kostiantynivka, targeting every movement by Kiev forces there.
In addition to the advance in the outskirts of Kostiantynivka, the Yug Group of Forces made additional gains to the northeast of the city, mainly close to the road leading to the city of Slovyansk.
Russian troops have reportedly captured all of Khromovka from Kiev forces, then advanced north and stormed the southern part of Nikiforovka. More than 12,3 square kilometers were reportedly cleared by Russian troops between the two settlements.
The advance in the Thai part of Donetsk is clearly meant to set the stage for a large-scale offensive towards Slovyansk, a logistics hub of Kiev forces.
The offensive will not likely begin before the capture of Kostiantynivka. This explains why the Yug Group of Forces recently intensified its operations in the city.
Kiev forces could hold on to Kostiantynivka for months. However, if Russian troops cut the last supply lines to the north of the city, and continue to advance along the road to Slovyansk east, we could see a very quick collapse of all Ukrainian defenses there.
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