Ukraine's Kostiantynivka becomes new focal point for Russian forces — military expert Zgurets

He shared this information on Espreso TV.

"In Toretsk, the Russian army now controls the central part of the city and the western approaches, but the spoil tip in the north remains our strongest defensive position. The enemy is trying to set the stage for an advance on Kostiantynivka after taking Toretsk, but Ukrainian forces have held the city for over seven months. Russian sources, though unverified, suggest that occupation units from the Velyka Novosilka area may be redeployed to Toretsk. One way or another, Kostiantynivka is now a key ‘center of gravity’ for Russian forces, with pressure coming from both Chasiv Yar and Toretsk," Zgurets said.

According to him, Ukraine’s General Staff is well aware of these risks. The enemy’s progress has stalled in several areas, likely due to changes in Ukrainian tactics and the deployment of certain reserves.

"The number of clashes on the front has dropped significantly. In December, we saw peak numbers — 295 battles a day. By the morning of February 10, the General Staff reported 99 clashes, with a third in the Pokrovsk direction and 13 in the Kursk sector," Zgurets added.

• On February 4, Suspilne Donbas editor-in-chief Andrii Kramchenkov reported that Russian forces are eager to launch an assault on Kostiantynivka. While fighting in the Pokrovsk direction has slightly eased, assaults in the Kramatorsk sector have intensified.
• On February 9, Russian forces shelled Kostiantynivka and Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region, injuring at least six people.