Russia claims capture of another key town in eastern Ukraine

MOSCOW: Russia has claimed its forces have captured another town in eastern Ukraine, describing the development as a significant step toward expanding control in the contested Donetsk region.

According to Russian officials, the town of Kostiantynivka has come under Russian control following continued military operations. Ukrainian authorities had not immediately confirmed the claim, and battlefield reports from both sides could not be independently verified.

Speaking during a visit to a Russian military support command post, President Vladimir Putin said the latest advance marked an important milestone in Moscow’s broader campaign in eastern Ukraine. He argued that securing additional territory in Donetsk remains one of Russia’s key military objectives.

Putin also stated that Ukrainian forces were retreating after sustaining heavy losses, claiming Russian troops had already established full control over the Luhansk region while continuing operations in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

The Russian president emphasized that military pressure would continue, warning that any further attacks on infrastructure by Ukrainian forces would prompt Moscow to expand what it described as a “security zone” along the front lines.

During the briefing with senior military commanders, Putin reportedly called for intensified operations and stressed the importance of assessing the presence of foreign personnel serving alongside Ukrainian forces.

The Kremlin leader also criticized proposals involving European peacekeeping forces, arguing that such initiatives were intended to prolong military pressure against Russia rather than help resolve the conflict through diplomacy.

The latest claims come as fighting continues across multiple sectors of eastern and southern Ukraine, with both sides reporting ongoing combat and exchanging long-range strikes. Independent verification of territorial gains remains difficult because of restricted access to active frontline areas.

Military analysts say control of strategic settlements in the Donetsk region could influence future operations, although the battlefield situation remains highly fluid.

As the war enters another intense phase, international attention remains focused on developments in eastern Ukraine, where both Russia and Ukraine continue to pursue military objectives while diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled. The latest Russian announcement is expected to further heighten tensions as the conflict shows little sign of easing.