Ukraine Rejects Russian Claim of Capturing Kostiantynivka in Donetsk

Ukraine’s defence ministry said the industrial town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk oblast remains under Ukrainian control, refuting Russia’s claim that its forces had seized the settlement. The city, located on a key road and rail corridor linking Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, is part of Kyiv’s “fortress belt” that underpins defence of the region. Analysts say control of Kostiantynivka would affect logistics, troop rotation and evacuations along the eastern front.

Before the war the town had about 70,000 residents; by late June its population had fallen to roughly 2,000 after prolonged shelling, drone attacks and evacuations. Both sides continue to use statements about the town as a narrative prize in the broader fighting for Donetsk.