Two Russian Battalions Decimated In One Month's Kostiantynivka Fighting

The severity of Russian losses in this crucial sector, the key to Russia's desire to take Ukraine's Fortress Belt cities beyond it, has led to a change in tactics which reflects the Russian desperation. 

Instead of mass meat assaults or infiltration attempts by small teams, the Russians are now sending individual soldiers, accompanies by drones, to attack. The problem is that Ukraine's drone and intelligence superiority make even these efforts unable to succeed. But the broader implication is that if the best the Kremlin can do is send one soldier with a few drones as his 'comrades,' they have little chance of creating a distraction, let alone a breakthrough. JL

Yevhelia Mazur reports in Liga.net:

During the past month of fighting against Ukraine's 100th Mechanized Brigade on the Kostiantynivka front, Russian forces lost the equivalent in strength of two battalions, with 910 soldiers killed or wounded. The 100th and Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade report Russian army has changed its assault tactics and is increasingly sending not groups of several soldiers but individual infantrymen—escorted by drones—toward Ukrainian positions.

During a month of fighting on the Kostiantynivka front, Russian forces lost 910 soldiers, either killed or wounded. This is equivalent to the strength of approximately two battalions, as reported to analysis LIGA.net Serhiy Khominsky, press officer for the 100th Separate Mechanized Brigade. 

Why Is This Important?. Russia is stepping up pressure on Kostiantynivka, which it views as Gateway to the Kramatorsk-Kostiantynivka metropolitan area. The occupiers are infiltrating the city in small groups under the cover of drones. 

Home. According to a military official, from May 16 to June 16, the Russians lost 395 soldiers killed and 515 wounded in the 100th Mechanized Brigade’s defense sector alone. 

"In total, there were 910 occupiers—that is, two battalions that were completely wiped out," said Khominsky. 

The 100th Mechanized Brigade also reported a sharp increase in Russian drone activity in the Kostiantynivka sector. According to Khominsky, the occupiers have significantly increased their use of reconnaissance drones, FPVs, attack UAVs, and drones for remote mining. In this way, they are attempting to secure air superiority.

• Previously in the 24th Mechanized Brigade reported LIGA.net...that the Russian army has changed its assault tactics and is increasingly sending not groups of several soldiers but individual infantrymen—escorted by drones—toward Ukrainian positions.
• Military experts they told LIGA.net...that Russian guided bombs remain one of the main factors driving the advance of Russian occupiers in the Donetsk region.