Russian strike kills 3 in Kostiantynivka as troops advance

Firefighters respond to a Russian drone strike site in Ukraine’s Sumy region, 20 August, 2025.
Reuters

A Russian artillery strike on Kostiantynivka has left at least three civilians dead and several others injured, as Moscow’s forces intensify efforts to encircle the key Donbas city.

Local officials reported that at least three people were killed and four wounded when Russian forces launched multiple rocket strikes on a market in Kostiantynivka.

Governor Vadym Filashkin said the city, a vital logistics hub for Ukrainian defences, was hit with eight rockets on Wednesday following ten guided bomb attacks the day before.

He urged residents to evacuate from areas, warning that Russian troops are tightening their grip from three sides.

While Moscow denies targeting civilians, Ukrainian authorities accuse Russia of deliberately striking populated areas.

The escalation comes as Russian forces push forward across the Donbas, alongside reports that the Kremlin has suggested Ukrainian withdrawal from the region in exchange for a peace deal — a proposal Kyiv has firmly rejected.

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