**Russia Builds Up Presence in Kalynove, Eyes Advance on Kostiantynivka**
In a move that could signal a new phase of the war in eastern Ukraine, Russian troops have been consolidating their position in the village of Kalynove in Donetsk Oblast. According to monitoring group DeepState, Russian forces are deploying infantry and establishing logistical routes and communication lines in the area.
This development comes as Russia’s offensive operations have slowed down significantly over the past few months. In March, Russian troops captured just 133 square kilometers – their lowest monthly total since June 2024. This slowdown has led to concerns that Russia may be shifting its strategy or preparing for a more focused push on specific targets.
**Russian Drones Dominate the Skies**
The area around Kalynove is reportedly being swarmed by Russian drones, which have become a crucial component of Moscow’s military strategy in Ukraine. Ukrainian soldiers operating in the region have reported an overwhelming presence of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are now able to operate deep enough to reach Kostiantynivka.
This concentration of drones is likely aimed at disrupting Ukrainian logistics and communication lines, potentially crippling the country’s ability to respond effectively to Russian advances. New drone crews, previously active in battles in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, have arrived on the scene, further increasing the pressure on Ukrainian forces.
**Kostiantynivka: A Key Logistics Hub**
Kostiantynivka is a city with a pre-war population of 67,000 people and has been one of the key logistical hubs for the Ukrainian military in Donetsk Oblast since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Its location, about 10 kilometers southwest of the front line in Chasiv Yar, makes it an attractive target for Russian forces seeking to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines.
**Ukrainian President Warns of New Offensives**
Speaking on April 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia would likely make several attempts to launch offensives in various regions, including Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. He also mentioned the possibility of new attacks in the east, where Russian forces have not been active for some time.
The situation on the ground is fluid, but one thing is clear: Russia’s military buildup around Kalynove and its increasing use of drones could signal a significant shift in strategy or a renewed push to capture key targets like Kostiantynivka.
