Russia claims capture of Kostiantynivka, Ukraine denies

Moscow’s defence ministry announced on Thursday that Russian forces have seized control of Kostiantynivka, a strategic industrial city in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. The statement, released through the ministry’s official channels, described the operation as part of a broader offensive aimed at consolidating Russian positions in the eastern front and claimed that the city had been cleared of Ukrainian resistance after intense fighting.

The Ukrainian government rejected the claim, stating that Kostiantynivka remains under Ukrainian administration and that no Russian units have entered the city. Kyiv’s defence ministry said it is monitoring the situation closely and will provide further information as it becomes available. The conflicting reports come amid heightened hostilities in the Donetsk area, where both sides have previously exchanged assertions of territorial gains. Verification by independent observers is pending, and the status of Kostiantynivka remains contested.