A Wounded Rescue Mission Near Kostiantynivka: How a Team Evacuated Soldiers from an Ambush.

Behind the Lines: The Evacuation of Wounded Soldiers After a Kostiantynivka Ambush

According to TSN.ua: On January 23, 2026, near the town of Kostiantynivka, two soldiers from the 5th Battalion of the 112th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade (112 OBr TrO) were caught in an ambush. One soldier, Ihor Maksymchuk, call sign 'Khmil', sustained a gunshot wound, while the other, Volodymyr Aleksandrov, call sign 'Pozhytyv', was wounded in the leg. The complex evacuation operation was launched on January 29th after several days of meticulous preparation. This incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by Ukrainian forces along the front lines.

The situation was complicated on January 24th when the battalion's infantry group confirmed enemy presence nearby. Despite this threat, the evacuation proceeded on the 29th. A reserve 'Tarhan 3K' radio communications system was deployed to an intermediate point, while the primary 'RYS PRO' system launched that same morning. The mission involved over 30 personnel from the 5th Battalion, 112 OBr TrO. Volodymyr Aleksandrov ('Pozhytyv') had suffered a shattered pelvic bone and joint damage, but his condition was reported as stable during the extraction.

Success Amidst Uncertainty

However, the fate of Ihor Maksymchuk ('Khmil') remains unknown, as reported by the press service of the 112 OBr TrO. Despite this loss, the evacuation itself was deemed a success due to the coordinated efforts of the team, which helped save the lives of the wounded. Such operations are a critical component of military medicine, capable of saving lives under the most difficult combat conditions.

This event underscores the complexity and danger faced by service members on the front line, as well as the importance of coordinated action during emergencies. — Press Service of the 112 OBr TrO

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding one soldier's fate serves as a sobering reminder of the grave risks Ukrainian troops confront daily in the conflict.