Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Russian claims that Kostiantynivka has fallen under Moscow’s control, insisting that Ukrainian forces continue to defend the strategically important city in the eastern Donetsk region. The statement came after Russia announced that its military had captured the key settlement as part of its ongoing offensive.
In a message posted on social media, Zelensky described Russia’s announcement as false and accused Moscow of spreading misinformation. He said Ukraine still controls Kostiantynivka and dismissed the claim as an attempt to create a misleading narrative about developments on the battlefield.
Ukraine’s General Staff also reaffirmed that defensive operations remain active in and around the city. Military officials said units of the 19th Army Corps of the Eastern Grouping continue to hold defensive positions and are resisting Russian advances along the designated front lines.
Kostiantynivka is regarded as one of the most strategically significant cities in Ukraine’s defensive network in the Donetsk region. It forms part of a fortified line of key settlements that has played an important role in slowing Russia’s military advance across eastern Ukraine.
Military analysts believe that if Russia gains full control of the city, it could strengthen Moscow’s position for further operations toward northern parts of the Donetsk region. For this reason, the area has remained one of the main focal points of intense fighting over recent months.
Russia’s Defence Ministry previously stated that its forces had taken control of Kostiantynivka, but Ukrainian authorities continue to reject the claim. Independent verification of the battlefield situation remains difficult because of the ongoing conflict and limited access to the front line.
The conflicting statements from Kyiv and Moscow underline the uncertainty surrounding developments in eastern Ukraine. As fighting continues across the Donetsk region, Kostiantynivka remains a strategically important location whose control could influence future military operations in the conflict.
