Russia attempted to break through Ukrainian defenses near Kostiantynivka with a mechanized assault and suffered heavy losses, according to Ukraine’s military. The 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said it repelled a rare mechanized attack by Russian forces on the southwestern flank of the Kostiantynivka sector. The brigade’s press service published video showing Russian armor and infantry being destroyed. Russian troops tried to push in with armored vehicles and infantry, but Ukrainian forces struck the column on the approach, the brigade said. The footage shows Russian vehicles burning as the assault group breaks apart under fire. The brigade added that the only “peace plan” with what it called “terrorists” would look like this. The exact location was not disclosed for security reasons. It was likely another attempt to advance via the Rusynyi Yar area to squeeze Ukrainian defenses around Kostiantynivka. Despite lower intensity than on the Pokrovsk axis, this sector remains one of the hottest in Donbas. Ukraine’s General Staff reported that on November 22, the Defense Forces repelled one assault directly on Kostiantynivka and 17 more in the areas of Pleshchiivka, Rusynyi Yar, Sofiivka, Shcherbynivka, Yablunivka, Ivanopillia, Stepanivka, and along the Mykolaipol axis. Out of a prewar population of 78,000, about 4,800 residents remain. Evacuation is possible but extremely dangerous; Ukrainian officials say Russia has deliberately targeted even humanitarian transport. Ukrainian soldiers say Russian forces more often rely on infantry assaults and “infiltration” tactics: groups of about 10 push forward, few make it, but the waves continue. They say Russian troops have repeatedly worn civilian clothing to move between positions — a direct violation of the laws of war and a war crime. Trained Russian UAV operators, including the “Rubikon” unit, are active on this axis, complicating Ukrainian logistics and attempting to suppress Ukrainian drones. At times, Russian groups manage to slip into Kostiantynivka, especially in fog that hampers drone operations. But they are not allowed to dig in, Ukrainian forces say; they are quickly found and eliminated.

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