Russian forces pushing to launch battle for Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region

He shared this update on Espreso TV.

“All of Ukraine is fighting in Donbas to prevent the enemy from advancing further. The main directions of Russia’s efforts remain Pokrovsk and the Kramatorsk agglomeration. The enemy is trying to bypass Pokrovsk from the south on both flanks — from the southwest and southeast,” Kramchenkov said.

On the southeastern flank, Russian forces have nearly reached the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad-Kostiantynivka highway, with battles ongoing near the road itself. On the southwestern flank, they are approaching the Dnipropetrovsk region, and Russian drones have already been spotted near the Donetsk region’s boundary marker. As a result, logistics to Pokrovsk are becoming increasingly complicated.

According to Kramchenkov, as the intensity of fighting in the Pokrovsk sector has eased, Russian forces have escalated assaults in the Kramatorsk sector, particularly in the city of Chasiv Yar. Theн have already seized most of the city, with battles continuing on the outskirts.

“They have crossed the canal, but the fighting for Chasiv Yar continues. If the enemy fully captures the city, the situation in Kostiantynivka will become more difficult. Russian forces have increased both the number of attacks and the variety of weapons used against Kostiantynivka. Additionally, assaults on Toretsk have intensified, with most of the city now under Russian control. The city is in ruins — virtually every building is either damaged or completely destroyed.”

Kramchenkov reported that battles continue on the northern outskirts of Toretsk, where Ukrainian infantry is still holding its ground. However, he warned that the situation depends on the number of shells and aerial bombs Russia uses to destroy the defensive positions inside buildings.

He also emphasized that the battles for Toretsk and Chasiv Yar should be seen as the flanks of Kostiantynivka’s defense.

“Once the Russians capture these two cities, Kostiantynivka will be next. It serves as the nearest rear base for the troops defending Toretsk, Kurdiumivka, and Chasiv Yar. The largest population center in the unoccupied part of Donetsk region remains the Kramatorsk agglomeration, including Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka, and Kostiantynivka. Russian forces are already pushing to start the battle for Kostiantynivka,” Kramchenkov warned.

• Over the past 24 hours on February 3, 110 combat engagements were recorded on the Russian-Ukrainian front. In the Pokrovsk sector, the Defense Forces repelled 38 attacks.