The Beginning Of The End For Konstantinovka: Russian Units Storm Ivanopolye

The Armed Forces of Ukraine still control the last microdistrict in Pokrovsk. Russian units have launched an assault on the Ivanopolye settlement in the Konstantinovsky sector. The EU summit has again postponed the decision on the issue of Russian «frozen finances» until December 19. 

Pokrovsk Sector: 

Russian forces are mounting an offensive in urban areas, while Ukrainian troops are carrying out repeated counterattacks, particularly on the northern flank. 

Along the Shakhovo–Novoe Shakhovo line, Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) units are conducting counterattacks to the south of the quarries. To the north, an extensive «grey zone» remains, where clashes between small groups continue. Fierce fighting continues in the Rodinsky area. Despite previous reports of full control being established over the settlement, active Russian air operations indicate that Ukrainian troops are still present in the city. 

Assault operations are ongoing in Mirnograd. Armored groups, supported by Russian assault units, are advancing further into urban areas. The AFU is striking the concentrations of armored vehicles, which is slowing down the pace of the offensive somewhat. Russian units continue to expand their control zone in Pokrovsk. Currently, both sides operate in small and disparate groups.

It is estimated that Ukrainian units are still in control of an area of about 3 square kilometers in the north-eastern part of Pokrovsk, where they are using high-rise buildings to organize resistance. Mopping-up operations are ongoing in other areas. 

To the east of Gnatovka, Russian forces have taken control of a significant stronghold located behind the railway line. In the south of the agglomeration, units advanced into the eastern part of Sukhoi Yar, which is located northeast of Lysovka. 

The most intense fighting in Mirnograd is taking place in the Shakhty 5/6 area, as well as in the northern and north-eastern districts of the city and the Molodezhny microdistrict. 

Two attempts to relieve the Ukrainian garrisons of the agglomeration have failed. It is reported that units of the Russian Volunteer Corps, who are fighting alongside the AFU, have been transferred to Pokrovsk. 

The Ukrainian attempt to  eliminate the Russian tactical incursion in the Golden Well area did not change the overall operational situation or significantly affect the pace of progress in Pokrovsk and Mirnograd. 

According to reports, AFU units have regained control of their former line of fortifications at the Ivanovka–Pankovka line, but continue to face intense fighting in Shakhovo. 

According to operational information from the Russian command, Ukrainian reserves are being transferred from other sectors to the Mirnograd area. Two counterattacks are reportedly planned in the Rodinskoe–Krasny Liman–Mirnograd sector and the Fedorovka–Novoeconomicoye area. 

Fighting has continued for the second day on the western outskirts of Rodinsky. Units of the Russian 9th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, supported by attached units, are fighting to repel the counterattacks. 

Liman Sector:

Russian units are expanding their control zone along the Liman-Yampol road. Meanwhile, operations continue to clear nearby forests and secure waterways. 

An offensive is currently underway in the center of Maslyakovka. There are ongoing attempts to break through to the southern side of the estuary in the area of the destroyed bridge. 

Fighting continues in Yampol. Reports suggest that the AFU have succeeded in clearing the route for the withdrawal of personnel and equipment from the village council area. In Stavka village, intense fighting is taking place in the center, where the school, community center and church remain key confrontation points. 

Sumy Sector: 

Russian assault units continue to advance on the right flank of the offensive, supported by aviation, artillery and heavy flamethrower systems. 

In the forest belts on the right flank, the assault groups advanced 200 meters before consolidating their positions. Three Ukrainian attempts to advance in the Yunakovka, Alekseevka and Varachino sector were thwarted by intense strikes. 

In the Sadki area, Ukrainian troops have been abandoning their positions. In the Tetkinsky and Glushkovsky sectors, AFU positions in the area of Rogozny and Starye Virok were attacked by Russian aviation and artillery. 

Kharkiv Sector:

In the Volchansk area, units advanced 350 meters and gained a foothold in the south-western part of the city. Russian assault groups advanced up to 300 meters into the forest area near Sinelnikovo, dislodging AFU formations and cutting the road to Pripika. Clearing operations continue along the coast north of the Volchya River in the Pacific area, as well as fighting for control of the Vershina tract in the Marino area. 

In the Melovoe-Khatneye area, units advanced 500 meters, expanding the security zone along the border. Airstrikes and attacks with heavy flamethrowers were carried out on positions in Dvurechansk and Katerinovka. 

Konstantinovka Sector: 

Russian units have entered Ivanopolye and are launching an assault on the settlement from the south-east. This advance threatens to encircle the Ukrainian units holding the line near Konstantinovka. Meanwhile, assault groups are attacking AFU positions from Predtechino and through suburban areas, gradually penetrating their defenses. 

Click to see full-size map.

Conclusion:

The operational situation is characterized by active offensive operations continuing in most areas. In the Pokrovsky sector, Russian forces are extending their control over the urban area, while Ukrainian troops are launching counterattacks to stabilize the situation. Methodical progress is being made in the Limansk, Sumy and Kharkiv sectors, with consolidation at the achieved milestones. Overall, the dynamics of the fighting indicate continued offensive initiative, while the Ukrainian side is taking measures to strengthen defensive positions and conduct counterattacks. 

Russian units have advanced into the village of Ivanopolye and fighting is ongoing. This settlement is strategically important on the outskirts of Konstantinovka. The main obstacle is the fierce resistance of Ukrainian forces in the area and the suburbs of Konstantinovka, which could impact the pace of the offensive. The lack of available reserves and the dire situation in the Pokrovsko-Mirnogradskaya agglomeration could see the city taken before the end of the month. 

Against the backdrop of the evolving military situation in Ukraine, political and financial disagreements over future support are mounting in Kyiv’s allied countries. The key issue is the plan to use frozen Russian sovereign assets to provide Ukraine with a large-scale loan. 

The main obstacle to implementing this plan is Belgium, where most of the frozen assets are stored via the Euroclear depository. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is insisting that all EU countries provide guarantees and share the financial and legal risks associated with this decision. He has warned that, in the event of lawsuits from Russia, Belgium would not be able to compensate 140 billion euros alone. His uncompromising position led to the EU summit in October postponing its decision on this issue until 19 December. 

Despite Belgium’s opposition, numerous European leaders, including the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, have expressed their belief that an agreement on the «reparation loan» will be reached in December. They emphasized that this step is legally justified and represents the only possible means by which Russia will compensate Ukraine for the damage caused. Therefore, the upcoming decision on Russian assets is not only a financial test, but also a key political test of the cohesion of the EU, at a time when US support is becoming less predictable. 

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