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[POLITICS] · Russia, Ukraine · 100 sources

Ukraine rejects Russian claim of taking Kostyantynivka in Donetsk

Russia’s defence ministry and Kremlin officials announced that Russian forces have captured the strategic eastern city of Kostyantynivka (also spelled Konstantinovka or Kostiantynivka) in the Donetsk region, calling the seizure a major victory and a key transport and industrial hub.

Ukrainian officials, including the General Staff and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, denied the claim, stating that the city remains under Ukrainian control and that defensive units of the 19th Army Corps are still operating on designated lines inside the city and its approaches. Zelenskyy labeled the Russian report a lie and said, "If Kostyantynivka were under Russian control, perhaps Putin would have no problem meeting me there to find a diplomatic way to end the war."

Russia proposed a short, six‑hour cease‑fire around Kostyantynivka to facilitate the hand‑over of Ukrainian soldiers’ bodies; Kyiv rejected the offer. Putin visited a Russian command post, praised the alleged capture, and spoke of expanding a security zone in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities. The fighting around the city continues, with both sides reporting ongoing combat and drone attacks.

Sources

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