Ukraine faces escalating combat in Kostiantynivka, ZNPP loses external power again, and strikes hit Russian refineries

Ukrainian forces are engaged in urban combat in Kostiantynivka, which a commander described as "semi-encircled," while some experts predict its potential loss. The ZNPP suffered its 19th external power loss, and Ukrainian forces reported striking Russian oil refineries and a chem
Ukrainian forces are engaged in urban combat in Kostiantynivka against infiltrating enemy personnel, with assault units conducting clearing operations. A battalion commander described the city as "semi-encircled" following Russian advances near Chasiv Yar and Berestky. Some military experts and personnel suggest the city could be lost in the coming months, with Russian forces having significantly advanced towards and into the city. Separately, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) experienced its 19th loss of external power on June 10, around 9 PM, after an attack on an electrical substation, leading it to rely on backup diesel generators, a situation confirmed by the IAEA. Additionally, Ukrainian Defense Forces reported striking the "TANEKO" and "TAIF-NK" oil refineries in Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan, on June 12, with hits and fires confirmed. They also claimed a strike on the "Tolyattikauchuk" combine in Samara Oblast.
Sources: Громадське, Українська правда, Радіо Свобода
How outlets assessed this
- Jun 12, 2026, 01:00 PM UTC
- 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
Earlier coverage
- Jun 12, 2026, 02:30 PM UTCUrban combat continues in Kostiantynivka as ZNPP loses external power and Ukraine strikes Russian refineries
- Jun 12, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCUrban combat continues in Kostiantynivka, ZNPP loses external power, and Ukraine reports refinery strikes
- Jun 12, 2026, 09:30 AM UTCUrban combat in Kostiantynivka, ZNPP power loss, and refinery strikes reported
- Jun 12, 2026, 08:30 AM UTCUkrainian forces engage in Kostiantynivka urban combat, ZNPP loses external power, and refinery strikes reported
- Jun 12, 2026, 07:30 AM UTCUrban combat continues in Kostiantynivka as ZNPP loses external power again
- Jun 11, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCZaporizhzhia nuclear plant loses external power for 19th time; urban combat continues in Kostiantynivka; Afipsky refinery struck
- Jun 11, 2026, 07:30 PM UTCUrban combat continues in Kostiantynivka as ZNPP loses external power again
- Jun 11, 2026, 07:00 PM UTCKostiantynivka urban combat, ZNPP power loss, and Ukrainian drone strikes reported
- Jun 11, 2026, 06:30 PM UTCUkrainian forces engage in urban combat in Kostiantynivka; ZNPP loses external power again
- Jun 11, 2026, 05:30 PM UTCUrban combat continues in Kostiantynivka; Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant loses external power again