Kostiantynivka Battles Intensify as Ukraine Names New Chief of Staff

Ukrainian forces posted a video showing the flag of Ukraine raised in the cultural centre of Kostiantynivka, claiming the city had been cleared of Russian troops. The next day, the Russian defence ministry released a video of the same soldiers, now in Russian captivity, asserting that Kostiantynivka remained under Russian control. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had earlier declared the city fully under Russian authority.

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine’s new chief of staff, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyj after weeks of protests demanding the change. Ukrainian soldiers welcomed the move, citing Drapatyi’s combat experience since 2014. Russian war‑bloggers reacted with hostility, warning that the younger commander would be a formidable opponent for Russia.