Commander: Around 123 Russian soldiers in Kostiantynivka, situation not critical
Commander of the 19th Army Corps, Brigadier General Oleksandr Bakulin, stated that there are approximately 123 Russian soldiers in the city of Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, and the situation is not critical, though fighting is tough.
Situation in Kostiantynivka
On June 15, Brigadier General Oleksandr Bakulin, commander of the 19th Army Corps, provided an update on the situation in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, during a national telethon. According to his estimates, there are likely around 123 Russian soldiers in the city. He noted that the number could vary by plus or minus 20-30 due to possible duplication or oversight in intelligence data. Bakulin considers the figures of 250 to 300, sometimes cited, to be somewhat exaggerated, emphasizing that intelligence information is always presented with the word "probably."
Infiltration tactics and countermeasures
Bakulin stated that the enemy is using small-group infiltration tactics, successfully tested in Pokrovsk. However, the Ukrainian defense forces have learned from past mistakes and are putting up stronger resistance this time. The general stressed that the situation in Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka is not identical.
Initial infiltration and current status
He recalled that the enemy first actively appeared in Kostiantynivka last November, managing to infiltrate up to 50 people. The current problem started about a month and a half ago and has not been fully resolved yet. However, he emphasized that it is premature and exaggerated to say the enemy controls anything in the city. "We are taking appropriate measures," he said.
Other reports
Earlier, the media outlet Hromadske published an article stating that at least a hundred Russian soldiers had infiltrated Kostiantynivka, with defense forces spotting the enemy in the city center. The article suggested that the Pokrovsk scenario might be repeating itself, where the enemy attempts to split the city into sectors and threaten organized defense. One officer interviewed estimated the real number of occupiers could be closer to 250, citing the difficulty of accurately counting enemy groups.
