Ukraine denies Russian capture of Kostiantynivka as Zelensky invites Putin to meet in the contested city

Conflicting claims

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin heard a report from Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov claiming full capture of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast. Putin thanked troops for "heroism and successful work." Ukraine's General Staff initially did not comment, but on Saturday denied the claim. "We deny it. These are another false claims," a representative said. President Zelensky called it "another Russian lie, an attempt to create some media echo."

If Kostiantynivka is under Russian control, then perhaps Putin would have no problem meeting me there to find a diplomatic way to finally end this war.

Ceasefire offer and diplomatic exchange

Russia's Defence Ministry proposed a six-hour ceasefire on Monday, 6 July, from 12:00 to 18:00 Moscow time, to transfer bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers. Ukraine has until noon on Sunday, 5 July, to respond. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mocked Zelensky's invitation, stating Kostiantynivka is already part of Russia and the invitation for Zelensky to meet Putin in Moscow remains open.

If this is Mr Zelensky's way of expressing readiness to come to Russia, we welcome him. But we would like to remind him that Putin said he is ready to receive him in Moscow.

Strategic significance

Kostiantynivka is the southernmost of four towns forming a defensive line shielding the major cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Intense fighting for the city began in October 2025. Its loss would open a direct route for Russian forces northward along the defensive belt. The city also hosts industrial infrastructure used for military repairs and is a psychological symbol of Ukraine's ability to defend the Donbas.

ISW analysis: exaggerated claims

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) last week said Putin continues to make "heavily exaggerated claims about Russian advances." While Putin claimed Russian forces control 96% of Kostiantynivka, ISW assessed they maintain presence on only 36.96% and have not established control. Similarly, Putin said Russian troops took most of Lyman and are 4 km from Kramatorsk; ISW found they hold 4.3% of Lyman and are 14 km from Kramatorsk.

Ukraine's pressure campaign

On 26 June, Zelensky launched a 40-day "super operation" of medium- and long-range drone strikes to pressure Russia into ending the war. On the first day, Ukraine sent 660 drones. Colonel Piotr Lewandowski, a lecturer at the Territorial Defence Forces Training Centre, predicted that Russia would soon announce the capture of Kostiantynivka, and that it might be true. He noted this is the tenth campaign in Donbas, the weakest in about 2.5 years, with Russia relying on volunteers and avoiding mobilization.