Volodymyr Zelenskyy denies Russian capture of Kostiantynivka

Ukraine has strongly rejected Russian claims that its forces have captured the eastern city of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region.

Ukraine has strongly rejected Russian claims that its forces have captured the eastern city of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the city remains under Ukrainian control and dismissed Moscow’s announcement as false information aimed at creating a propaganda victory.

The statement came after Russian military officials informed President Vladimir Putin that Russian troops had taken control of the strategically important city following weeks of heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Zelensky said reports of the city’s fall were inaccurate and insisted that Ukrainian soldiers were continuing to defend their positions inside the city and in nearby areas.

He accused Russia of attempting to shape public perception by declaring victories before they have been fully achieved on the battlefield.

Ukraine’s General Staff also rejected the Russian claim and said military units remained deployed in Kostiantynivka and along defensive lines surrounding the city.

According to Ukrainian military officials, troops are continuing defensive operations and are holding positions despite increasing pressure from Russian advances.

Kostiantynivka is one of the most important cities in Ukraine’s eastern defence network. It forms part of a chain of heavily fortified urban centres that have played a key role in slowing Russia’s offensive in the Donetsk region.

Military analysts believe the capture of the city would provide Russian forces with an important logistical and operational advantage.

Control of Kostiantynivka would allow Russian troops to move further north and increase pressure on other Ukrainian strongholds that remain under Kyiv’s control.

The city has faced repeated missile strikes, artillery attacks and drone assaults since the start of the war. Large parts of the city have suffered extensive destruction, while many residents have already fled to safer areas.

Russian forces have been trying to advance deeper into the Donetsk region for several months as Moscow seeks full control of the territory, which it claims as part of Russia.

Ukraine, however, continues to resist Russian advances and says its military remains capable of defending key positions despite shortages of manpower and equipment.

The conflicting claims over Kostiantynivka highlight the continuing information battle between Kyiv and Moscow, where battlefield developments are frequently disputed by both sides.

Independent verification of military claims from the front lines often remains difficult because of restricted access to active combat zones.