ISW Rejects Putin's Claims of Full Control Over Kostiantynivka

What’s Happening in Kostiantynivka

According to Главком: Independent analysts have found no evidence to support Russian leadership’s assertions that Kostiantynivka has been fully captured. A report from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) acknowledges that Russian forces have made some tactical gains near the city in recent weeks. However, the majority of Russian activity inside Kostiantynivka consists of small sabotage teams operating alongside Ukrainian positions. As of June 23, Ukrainian troops outnumbered their Russian counterparts in the area.

ISW views statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin and his military command as part of a broader information campaign. Notably, Putin held a public meeting with Russian generals on the evening of July 3. ISW analysts suggest the timing was intended to shape war coverage around the US Independence Day celebrations on July 4. During the meeting, Putin declared that Russian forces had taken control of Kostiantynivka-a claim that does not align with the facts on the ground.

Who Controls the City

According to the monitoring group DeepState, the front line remains several kilometers away from Kostiantynivka. Ukraine’s General Staff confirms the city is still under the control of the country’s defense forces. Major Andriy Kovalev, a spokesperson for the General Staff, stated:

Kostiantynivka is under the control of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

Units and subunits of the 19th Missile Brigade of the Eastern Military District continue to conduct defensive operations at designated positions within the settlement and on its outskirts.

In short, Ukrainian forces still hold Kostiantynivka despite Russian efforts to depict a different reality. This underscores the growing role of information warfare in modern conflicts, where shaping public perception can carry tactical and strategic weight. The status of Kostiantynivka may also influence future combat operations in the region, as control of the city remains a key objective for both sides in their broader military strategies.

As the situation in Kostiantynivka continues to evolve, it's important to consider the broader implications of misinformation in warfare. For a deeper understanding of how President Zelenskyy has responded to similar false claims regarding the city's status, you can read more about his recent statements addressing Putin's assertions.