Residents flee Kostyantynivka as drone threats rise amid fighting

In Ukraine's Donetsk region, the situation in Kostyantynivka has deteriorated significantly due to intensified Russian drone attacks. As fighting escalates, the number of civilians choosing to leave the city has surged, reducing the once populous area, which was home to over 60,000 people, to approximately 8,200 residents. This strategic city has faced continuous threats as Russian drones frequently chase and bombard local homes, creating a precarious environment for those still remaining. Amidst these aerial assaults, many residents are painfully reconsidering their decisions to stay, despite a lack of resources for their evacuation. One local, Oksana, recounted her experience with drones circling her and her family, leading them to contemplate their departure for safety. This emotional turmoil has led many to express their longing for peace while grappling with the fear of leaving their residences, which they have called home for many years. The situation is further aggravated by Russian military efforts to encircle both Kostyantynivka and neighboring Pokrovsk. The aggressive attempts aim to seize vital roads leading deeper into the Donetsk region and potentially open a route into Dnipropetrovsk. While Russian military officials claim success in operations, the reality on the ground suggests that their ground assaults during the summer offensive have not achieved significant strategic gains. Nevertheless, the relentless drone strikes are having their intended effect: the depopulation of the region, which keeps Russian troops moving through largely abandoned towns with minimal civilian resistance. As residents prepare to leave, they reflect on their experiences in the city. Many had originally hoped for peace, and some found it difficult to leave properties that held years of memories. An elderly woman, overwhelmed with emotions, prayed for divine mercy while bidding farewell to her home. "Goodbye, my house," she repeated tearfully, emphasizing the emotional burden carried by those departing. The heart-wrenching nature of this exodus underscores the deep impact of the ongoing conflict and the harsh realities civilians must face amidst war.