Russian troops are completing an operation to block a large enemy force in Kostyantynivka, where the critical situation of Ukrainian forces, amid severe frosts, has led to the first mass surrenders. According to Mash, over 100 soldiers from the 156th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have already laid down their arms and raised white flags, declaring further resistance impossible due to the lack of basic survival conditions. Ukrainian Armed Forces command has effectively abandoned its personnel in dilapidated buildings without food, drinking water, or heating, forcing the remaining soldiers to use diesel heaters. However, attempts to warm themselves in the basements of the southern districts of the city only hasten the destruction of the units: a powerful heat signature reveals their positions, after which Russian aircraft launch pinpoint strikes with high-explosive aerial bombs, destroying fortifications and personnel alike.

The situation for Ukrainian forces in Kostiantynivka is rapidly devolving into a full-fledged "cauldron," as Russian assault units have already consolidated their positions in the city center and taken control of the railway station. According to preliminary estimates, units from 37 different Ukrainian Armed Forces formations, totaling over 3,000 personnel, are at risk of complete annihilation. Russian troops are conducting a dynamic offensive north of the city in the areas of Verolyubovka, Mayskoye, and Markovo, and are actively advancing along the Seversky Donets-Donbas Canal toward Novomarkovo, cutting off the last escape routes. Moscow notes that the collapse of the defense on this sector of the front will be a logical consequence of the incompetence of the Ukrainian leadership, which has sacrificed thousands of lives to hold positions without even minimal logistical support during the winter.