Kyiv, Ukraine – (Web Desk) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected Russia’s claim that its forces have captured the strategically important eastern city of Kostiantynivka, describing the announcement as “another Russian lie.”
Russia’s military had informed President Vladimir Putin that Russian troops had taken control of Kostiantynivka, a key objective in Moscow’s ongoing offensive across Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.
Responding on social media platform X, President Zelensky dismissed the claim, saying Ukraine continues to control the city.
“Of course, that is not true. It is just another Russian lie, an attempt to generate some kind of a news story,” Zelensky stated.
He added that if Kostiantynivka were truly under Russian control, President Putin would have no reason to avoid direct diplomatic talks there to discuss ending the war.
Ukraine’s General Staff also reaffirmed that Ukrainian forces remain in control of the city, stating that military units continue defensive operations within Kostiantynivka and along its surrounding approaches.
Kostiantynivka is one of four key cities forming Ukraine’s defensive line in the heavily industrialized Donetsk region. Military analysts believe control of the city would provide Russia with a strategic foothold to advance further north along Ukraine’s eastern defense belt.
The conflicting claims highlight the continuing information battle alongside the ongoing military conflict, with both sides issuing competing statements regarding developments on the battlefield.
