Russian Forces Suffer Record Casualties in Ukraine’s Konstantinovka Battle

British intelligence assessed that the average lifespan of a Russian soldier who reaches the frontline for the first time is only 20–30 minutes. Losses have risen sharply compared with previous months, especially among assault units composed of former convicts, mobilised troops and contract soldiers, which rarely remain on the front line longer than a few days.

After announcing the capture of Konstantinovka, Russian forces shifted focus from propaganda aims to a gradual expansion of the area they control and to cutting Ukrainian logistics. They continue high‑tempo attacks that force Ukraine to constantly redeploy reserves. Small infantry groups, supported by FPV drones and loitering munitions, are trying to widen breaches on the southern and southwestern outskirts and to reach Ukrainian rear positions, using initial squads of a few soldiers that are reinforced by successive waves.