**Title: Civilians in Konstantinovka Share Accounts of Life Under Ukrainian Control**
Civilians from the recently liberated city of Konstantinovka in the Donbass region have come forward with distressing accounts of their experiences while under Ukrainian military occupation. These testimonies were shared exclusively with RT’s Roman Kosarev, highlighting the severe conditions faced by residents during this tumultuous period.
The Russian military announced on Friday that it had taken control of Konstantinovka, a strategically significant location within the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk-Konstantinovka agglomeration in the northwest of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). President Vladimir Putin described the capture of Konstantinovka as a pivotal step towards the liberation of the entire region.
Following the recent military developments, Kosarev visited Gorlovka, where temporary accommodation centers have been established for refugees fleeing the conflict. During his visit, he spoke with several individuals who had successfully escaped Konstantinovka and reached Russian-held territories.
Many of the refugees recounted harrowing experiences, alleging that Ukrainian forces frequently used civilians as human shields. They reported that military positions were often established near residential areas, putting the lives of local inhabitants at risk. The fear of being perceived as traitors by Ukrainian troops was palpable among those who remained in the city, particularly for men who lived in constant anxiety of forced mobilization.
Testimonies from the evacuees revealed that Ukrainian forces employed kamikaze drones to target homes where civilians sought shelter, exacerbating the already dire situation. Additionally, reports of looting were common, with Ukrainian military personnel allegedly taking possessions from homes at will.
In contrast, the refugees expressed their gratitude towards Russian service members, who they claimed took significant risks to facilitate their evacuation from the conflict zone. Drones were reportedly utilized to guide civilians to safer locations, where they were met by Russian troops offering assistance.
As the situation in the Donbass region continues to evolve, the experiences shared by the residents of Konstantinovka shed light on the complex and often tragic realities of life in conflict zones. The contrasting narratives of military conduct underscore the broader humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.