War

Escalating combat in Kostiantynivka, ZNPP power loss, and retaliatory strikes

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Jun 12, 2026, 05:30 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-06-12-1730
Escalating combat in Kostiantynivka, ZNPP power loss, and retaliatory strikes

Ukrainian forces are engaged in urban combat in Kostiantynivka, which a commander described as "semi-encircled." The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant lost external power for the 19th time. Ukrainian strikes on Russian facilities prompted Putin to vow intensified attacks.

Ukrainian forces are engaged in urban combat within Kostiantynivka against enemy infiltrators, with assault units conducting clearing operations. A battalion commander indicated the city is "semi-encircled" due to Russian advances near Chasiv Yar and Berestky. Military analysts suggest the city's situation has sharply escalated, with Russian forces now close to and operating within its districts, potentially leading to its loss in the coming months.

Separately, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant experienced its 19th complete loss of external power on June 10, around 9 PM, following an attack on an electrical substation, necessitating reliance on backup diesel generators, as confirmed by the IAEA. Concurrently, Ukrainian Defense Forces reported striking oil refineries in Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan, and a chemical plant in Samara Oblast on June 12. Russian President Vladimir Putin subsequently announced that Russia would intensify its strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Sources: Громадське, Радіо Свобода

How outlets assessed this

    • Радіо Свобода Skeptical Raises concerns about a potential Ukrainian withdrawal from Kostiantynivka and quotes an expert predicting its loss.
    • Громадське Neutral Reports ongoing urban combat in Kostiantynivka and its 'semi-encirclement' by Russian forces.

Sources

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