Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, for the first time, calls the conflict in Ukraine a 'war' instead of a 'special military operation'

Acknowledging the War in Ukraine

According to Главком: In a recent interview, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov described the hostilities in Ukraine as a war, departing from the Russian government's longstanding characterization of them as a 'special military operation.' He attributed the ongoing conflict to Western support for Ukraine, alleging that countries like the United States, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Norway are providing aid, including satellite-guided targeting and weaponry.

'There is a war going on, a real war. Do you know why it's a war? Because it started as a special military operation. It continues as a war because behind Kyiv stand Berlin, Paris, The Hague, Oslo, and, unfortunately, Washington,' Peskov stated.

The Situation in Kostiantynivka

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russian forces have taken control of Kostiantynivka, a move that, if true, would open a path to the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. However, Ukrainian military officials and independent analysts have not confirmed this. According to the monitoring group DeepState, the front line remains several kilometers from Kostiantynivka, with ongoing battles on the city's outskirts. Russian troops are actively conducting offensive operations near the settlements of Ivanopillia, Illinivka, and Rusynyi Yar.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has refuted the claim that Kostiantynivka has been captured, confirming that the city remains under Ukrainian control. 'Kostiantynivka is under the control of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Military units and subunits of the 19th Army Corps of the Eastern Operational Command continue to conduct defensive operations at designated positions within the settlement and on its approaches,' said General Staff representative Andriy Kovalev.

'Kostiantynivka is under the control of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Military units and subunits of the 19th Army Corps of the Eastern Operational Command continue to conduct defensive operations at designated positions within the settlement and on its approaches,' Kovalev reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to Putin's statement by suggesting a meeting in Kostiantynivka if the city is indeed under Russian control.

As a result, the situation around Kostiantynivka remains tense, with active combat in the area and conflicting official statements from both sides. Peskov's admission that the conflict is a war may signal a shift in Russian rhetoric, which previously avoided the term. This could have implications for Russia's domestic and foreign policy, as well as how the conflict is perceived internationally.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the status of Kostiantynivka remains a focal point. Recent claims by Russian officials about capturing the city contrast sharply with assertions from Ukrainian military sources, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for control. For a deeper understanding of these developments and their implications, explore our coverage on the proposed ceasefire in Kostiantynivka and Ukraine's denial of the city falling.