Russian Forces Push Into Kostiantynivka Center, Capture 4 Zaporizhzhia Settlements
Updated
Updated · Meduza · Jun 6
Russian Forces Push Into Kostiantynivka Center, Capture 4 Zaporizhzhia Settlements
3 articles · Updated · Meduza · Jun 6
Summary
Russian troops reached central Kostiantynivka from multiple directions in recent weeks, marking the sharpest deterioration in Ukraine’s defenses on the southern edge of the Kramatorsk area.
The advance followed breakthroughs on the city’s western and eastern flanks: units moved through Illinivka and along the Kryvyi Torets River, while another formation entered via Novodmytrivka; some Ukrainian pockets remain supplied by heavy drones.
In eastern Zaporizhzhia, Russia’s renewed push captured four settlements by early June — Charyvne, Huliaipolske, Verkhnia Tersa and Vozdvyzhivka — after reserves were shifted back into the sector.
That gain threatens to outflank Ukrainian forces defending Mala Tokmachka and Orikhiv, even as fighting continues near Pokrovske, a key logistics hub on Russia’s northern flank.
Despite Putin’s claim of offensives everywhere, the report says Russia’s meaningful gains are concentrated around Kramatorsk and Zaporizhzhia, and Moscow is still unlikely to seize the greater Kramatorsk area before year-end.
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Overview
As of June 2026, Russian forces have suffered their first net territorial loss in a long period, losing control of 116 square kilometers in Ukraine. This shift follows a steady decline in Russia’s battlefield advances since November 2025, driven by sustained Ukrainian counterattacks and effective mid-range strikes. Additional setbacks for Russia include the February 2026 block on Starlink terminals and new Kremlin restrictions on Telegram, which have worsened operational challenges. Despite these difficulties, Russian attacks remain focused on key areas like Sumy, Pokrovsk, and Kostyantynivka, but their overall progress has stalled, marking a significant change in the conflict’s momentum.