Russia pounds on the gates of Ukraine's 'fortress belt'

Russia continues its aggressive push towards Kostiantynivka, a critical stronghold in Ukraine's eastern "fortress belt," which has been a strategic target for the Kremlin. Despite significant efforts, Russian advances across the broader 1,200-kilometer front line have largely stagnated. With fighting intensifying around the city, small Russian units are attempting to infiltrate its outskirts, signaling potential close-quarters combat ahead. This push underscores the Kremlin's ongoing attempts to secure key positions in eastern Ukraine, which is crucial for both military strategy and geopolitical influence in the region.