Ukrainian Defense Forces successfully repelled a large-scale Russian assault in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, destroying a significant number of enemy personnel and armored vehicles
The enemy attempted to break through the defense towards the settlements of Yablunivka and Oleksandro-Kalinove, but with support from Ukrainian troops, the attack was repelled. This was reported by the Communication Department of Luhansk Oblast, which is responsible for operational information in the region. According to sources, between 19:00 and 21:20 on June 17, Russian military forces carried out a large-scale offensive operation. They acted in multiple waves, employing various armored vehicles and weaponry. About 100 occupation troops took part in the assault, supported by 23 armored combat vehicles (AFVs) and 13 motorcycles, which served both for troop transportation and rapid maneuvering on the battlefield. Military reports indicate that the enemy attack involved the use of all available weaponry—from grenade launchers and machine guns to modern missile systems. As a result of the combat, active destruction of the invaders’ armored vehicles was achieved, including the elimination of 18 armored units. Additionally, out of the 23 armored vehicles, 5 were damaged and are considered to be out of service. The enemy personnel involved in the attack also suffered significant losses—all of them were either killed or wounded, making it difficult to determine the exact number of survivors and casualties at this time. It is also known that Russian forces attempted to quickly regroup and retreat into nearby forested areas, but Ukrainian defenders precisely countered them, firing at all targets within reach. This not only resulted in the destruction of a considerable amount of military equipment but also reduced the potential risk to Ukrainian personnel during the attempted breakthrough. According to military sources, prior to the combat operation in the Kostiantynivka area on June 16, reports had already been made about Russian efforts to encircle towns in Donetsk region. Operational intelligence indicated that the enemy was engaged in heavy fighting in the outskirts, aiming to encircle Ukrainian units. They tried to breach Ukrainian defenses from three directions with equal effort, but Ukrainian defenders held firm and managed to repel the most massive attacks. Thus, Ukrainian forces continue to demonstrate their ability to effectively counter the enemy—not only maintaining control over vital strategic positions but also inflicting significant losses on the enemy’s equipment and personnel. Heavy fighting persists in the defense of Kostiantynivka; however, Ukrainian military personnel show high combat readiness and resilience, maintaining control over the city and its surroundings.