Ukrainian police unit Lyut has been a central element in the protracted defense of the city of Kostyantynivka, a strategically vital location in eastern Ukraine. The unit, now part of the Safari regiment after a February restructuring that merged two Lyut units, operates under the Ministry of Internal Affairs rather than the Defense Ministry and is composed primarily of police officers who have volunteered for frontline combat.

The regiment’s commander, known by his call sign "Strong," has a background as a weightlifter and began his service as an ordinary soldier before rising through the ranks. His leadership philosophy emphasizes close bonds among fighters, viewing them as brothers rather than mere statistics. He underscored the importance of motivation and dedication in recruits, explaining that many of those who join Lyut could remain in safer police roles but choose instead to confront the dangers of war. This has attracted individuals beyond traditional law enforcement backgrounds, including some former prisoners who have volunteered for combat roles in other units such as Squall.

Lyut’s involvement in Kostyantynivka’s defense has spanned over a year, with intense engagements characterized by close-quarters urban combat. Lieutenant “Jackson,” a deputy commander overseeing about 100 troops, described the battle for the city as one of the hardest and most consequential confrontations for the brigade. Jackson, 28, previously served as a policeman in Mariupol and participated in that city’s heavily contested defense early in the conflict. After being captured by Russian forces, he endured harsh conditions and torture but was released in a prisoner exchange after six weeks. Reflecting on his experience, Jackson stated that having lost everything of value to the war, he is resolute in continuing to fight until a final outcome is reached.

Combat in Kostyantynivka involves intense house-to-house fighting, with opposing forces engaging on individual floors and even in single rooms. Russian tactics reportedly involve infiltrating in small groups aiming to establish footholds that can be expanded, while Ukrainian forces use drone surveillance and missile strikes to neutralize these elements before moving in to clear remaining opposition fighters. The defenders benefit from fighting amid ruins and rubble, while Russian forces, though numerically superior, have sustained heavy casualties. Ukrainian commanders acknowledge the possibility that Kostyantynivka could eventually fall but emphasize that any capture by Russian forces will not come quickly.

Lyut’s mandate includes enforcement of police standards, restricting membership to individuals without criminal records. Despite this, its commanders openly cooperate with units such as Squall, whose fighters include former prisoners, valuing their combat effectiveness and shared commitment against Russian forces. The ongoing defense effort reflects a motivated and experienced force that combines police discipline with military engagement in one of Ukraine’s most fiercely contested battlefronts.