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Russian military officials report that forces from Battlegroup South have thwarted Ukrainian troop rotations and destroyed deployment sites near the town of Konstantinovka in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), according to statements from the Russian Defense Ministry and military commanders. The reports, carried by the Russian state news agency TASS, describe ongoing operations to clear the city of remaining Ukrainian forces.

Coverage Comparison

All reports on this story come from TASS, which has published multiple articles citing official Russian military sources. The coverage spans several weeks, from mid-June to early July, and focuses on different aspects of the operation. The reports consistently attribute information to the Russian Defense Ministry, a deputy commander in Battlegroup South, and the head of the group's press center. No other news organizations' coverage was included in the material provided.

Key Claims

  • Destruction of Ukrainian deployment sites: The Russian Defense Ministry reported that artillery of the 6th Motor Rifle Division destroyed two Ukrainian temporary deployment sites with manpower in the Konstantinovka frontline area. Reconnaissance squads uncovered the sites, and artillery crews conducted direct hits using various guns.
  • Destruction of Ukrainian UAV control post: In the same operation, reconnaissance squads spotted enemy personnel recovering a reconnaissance quadcopter drone. After tracking them, they discovered a UAV control post and transmitted coordinates to a Msta-B howitzer crew, which destroyed the post with a direct hit.
  • Thwarting of Ukrainian troop rotation: Drone operators from Battlegroup South thwarted a Ukrainian troop rotation near Konstantinovka, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. A convoy approaching the town was detected, and an FPV drone destroyed a vehicle transporting personnel. The ministry stated that this deprived the enemy of transport and infantry support.
  • Ukrainian losses in Konstantinovka: Vadim Astafyev, head of the Battlegroup South's press center, reported that Ukrainian losses in the city during one day amounted to up to 80 soldiers, a Puma armored personnel carrier, 20 vehicles, and a self-propelled artillery installation. He also mentioned the destruction of 24 ground-based robotic complexes, four ATVs, and 27 UAV control points.
  • Cleansing of Konstantinovka: Astafyev stated that assault units of Battlegroup South are completing the cleansing of Konstantinovka from scattered formations of the Ukrainian army. He noted that on July 3, Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the liberation of Konstantinovka.
  • Ukrainian troops fleeing and morale: A deputy commander of the 103rd Motorized Infantry Regiment, with the call sign Prokhladny, said in a video uploaded by the Russian Defense Ministry that Ukrainian troops are not putting up resistance in Konstantinovka and are fleeing the city. He claimed that Ukrainian forces have low morale and are sustaining heavy losses, and that Russian forces are controlling the sky and destroying enemy drones.
  • Destruction of enemy vehicles and personnel: In a separate incident, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that another enemy car was destroyed by an FPV drone, foiling enemy plans and preventing support for infantry.

Perspectives

  • Russian Military: The Russian Defense Ministry and military commanders present the operations near Konstantinovka as successful, highlighting the destruction of Ukrainian assets and the low morale of Ukrainian troops. They describe Russian forces as controlling the situation and completing the clearing of the city.