Russian forces are slowly progressing towards Kostiantynivka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, seeking to establish a foothold near a heavily defended area. Ukrainian army officials report persistent attempts by occupiers to infiltrate the outskirts of the city, part of a crucial "fortress belt."

Russian troops are inching towards the city of ⁠Kostiantynivka in Ukraine’s eastern ⁠Donetsk region, trying to establish ⁠a foothold close to a heavily defended area, Ukraine’s top army official said on Saturday. Kostiantynivka, along with other cities, forms a so-called fortress belt in the country’s east – an area well-fortified by the Ukrainian military. “We ‌are repelling the Russian occupiers’ persistent attempts to gain a foothold in the outskirts of Kostiantynivka using infiltration...