Kostiantynivka: Why Russia is so desperate to take Ukraine’s eastern ‘fortress belt’

Kostiantynivka is a crucial stronghold in Ukraine's defensive strategy for the Donetsk region, serving as the southern anchor of a four-settlement "fortress belt." Russia's intense efforts to capture this area underscore its strategic importance in controlling the eastern part of Ukraine. The battle for Kostiantynivka symbolizes a broader struggle for dominance in the region, reflecting the stakes of the conflict and the broader geopolitical implications for Ukraine's sovereignty and Europe's security landscape. Understanding the significance of this region helps to grasp why Russia is pushing hard to break through Ukraine's defensive lines.