(KOSTIANTYNIVKA, DONETSK) – Ukrainian defenders have successfully neutralised a significant Russian armoured offensive on the Kostiantynivka axis, resulting in the destruction or abandonment of multiple heavy combat vehicles.
Footage released by the Unmanned Systems Department of the State Border Guard Service’s Phoenix Group captures a series of precision drone strikes against a Russian column composed of tanks and specialised recovery equipment. Initial assessments indicate that at least four tanks were struck and subsequently abandoned by their crews during the engagement.
The Ukrainian aerial units also targeted a valuable BREM armoured recovery vehicle while it was attempting to retrieve one of the disabled tanks. A second BREM vehicle was later filmed emitting thick smoke, though it remains unclear if this was the same unit or a separate asset deployed to the area. The operation continued into its final stages with drone strikes directed at light utility vehicles, including a civilian style van often utilised by Russian forces for rapid troop movement.
Military analysts suggest this engagement represents the first large scale mechanised assault attempted by the Kremlin in this sector for several months.
While the Russian dictator has previously directed forces to enter local settlements briefly to manufacture propaganda footage of flag raisings, Ukrainian officials confirm that Kostiantynivka remains under firm national control. Despite minimal Russian gains in small outlying hamlets since the beginning of the year, the primary front south of the settlement remains heavily contested.
