Russian pressure tightens around Kostyantynivka, raising concern for broader Donetsk front – analyst

What happened

Roman Pohorilyi, co-founder and analyst for the OSINT project DeepState, told NV Radio on August 5 that Ukrainian defenses in Kostyantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, are buckling under sustained Russian pressure. He described the situation as severe enough to affect the entire Kramatorsk–Sloviansk area.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Pohorilyi said, “We are losing Kostyantynivka; we literally have huge problems there.” He added that these difficulties are spreading, impacting nearby localities like Druzhkivka and Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka. According to him, Russian forces maintain aerial surveillance with drones over these areas, monitoring Ukrainian movements.

While Russian attempts to break through near Lyman have reportedly failed recently, Pohorilyi said the Russian military is refocusing efforts elsewhere, including intensified pressure around Hryshyne. He noted sustained Russian control over Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, positioning those areas as concentration points for enemy forces.

Known from the source

• Roman Pohorilyi is a co-founder and analyst for the OSINT project DeepState.
• On August 5, Pohorilyi told NV Radio that Ukrainian defenses in Kostyantynivka are under heavy Russian pressure.
• Pohorilyi described the situation as affecting the Kramatorsk–Sloviansk area, highlighting problems spreading to Druzhkivka and Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka.
• Russian forces failed recently to break through near Lyman and are concentrating efforts elsewhere.
• Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad have been occupied by Russian forces according to Pohorilyi.

What remains unclear

The analyst further referenced activity near Rodynske as an area where Russian forces are making gains, supported by a heavy concentration of troops. These developments feed into what Pohorilyi termed an expanding 'agglomeration' of enemy presence pushing beyond Hryshyne, suggesting an intensifying threat to Ukrainian defense lines in eastern Donetsk.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent confirmation of the current tactical status of Kostyantynivka and surrounding areas including Druzhkivka, Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka, Hryshyne, Rodynske, Pokrovsk, and Myrnohrad. Verification of the Russian military's inability to break through near Lyman in recent operations. Confirmation of the presence and activity of Russian drone surveillance in these areas.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: New Voice Ukraine. Open the source.