Zelenskyy Denies Kostiantynivka Capture
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected Russia’s claim that its forces have captured Kostiantynivka, a strategically important city in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region. Kyiv said Ukrainian troops remain in control of the city and continue defensive operations in the area.
Ukraine Denies Kostiantynivka Capture
Zelenskyy dismissed Moscow’s announcement as false and said Russia was attempting to create a misleading battlefield narrative. Ukraine’s General Staff also rejected the claim, stating that Kostiantynivka remains under Ukrainian control.
According to Ukrainian military officials, units of the 19th Army Corps are continuing defensive operations inside the city and on its approaches. Kyiv said Russian forces have been trying to advance in the area but have not secured full control of the city.
Russia Claims Donetsk Battlefield Gain
Russia’s military had earlier informed President Vladimir Putin that its forces had taken control of Kostiantynivka. Moscow described the city as a key transport and industrial centre in Donbas and said its capture would support further operations in the Donetsk region.
The claim has not been independently verified. Russia has previously reported partial control of areas around Kostiantynivka, which has been one of the heavily contested urban centres in eastern Ukraine.
Kostiantynivka Key To Ukraine Defence Line
Kostiantynivka is considered important because it forms part of Ukraine’s defensive belt in Donetsk, along with other fortified settlements. Analysts say that if Russia were to capture the city, it could gain a foothold for further advances northwards.
Russia also claimed gains in several villages in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. Ukraine has not confirmed those claims, and fighting continues across parts of the eastern front.
