Ukrainian Forces Deny Putin's False Claims of Capturing Kostiantynivka

Kostiantynivka Remains Under Ukrainian Control

According to Главком: As of July 4, 2026, the Ukrainian Defense Forces maintain full control over the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast. This has been confirmed by Ukrainian military officials, the General Staff, and independent analytical projects. In contrast, statements by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin alleging the capture of the city have been refuted, notably by a spokesperson for the 19th Army Corps, who stated:

The Russian regime is once again resorting to outright lies, presenting wishful thinking as reality. The claims about the alleged capture of Kostiantynivka are yet another piece of disinformation. - Spokesperson for the 19th Army Corps

On the specified date, Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel were positioned in various districts of the city. Defenders released video evidence confirming this fact. However, the adversary continues attempts at infiltration and advancement by small groups. As Ukrainian military officials note, 'Kostiantynivka is under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.' According to Major Andriy Kovalev, spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 'military units and subunits of the 19th Army Corps of the Eastern Operational Command continue conducting defensive operations on designated lines.'

Regional Situation

Earlier, during a meeting with Russian military leaders, Vladimir Putin claimed that control over Kostiantynivka had been established, asserting that capturing the city would open a path toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. However, neither Ukrainian military sources nor independent analytical projects have corroborated these assertions. According to DeepState, the front line runs several kilometers from Kostiantynivka, with fighting ongoing on the city's outskirts.

Russian forces are conducting offensive operations in the areas of Ivanopillya, Illinivka, and Rusynyi Yar. Data from the General Staff confirms that Kostiantynivka remains under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded ironically to Putin's claims about capturing the city, suggesting the Russian leader hold a meeting there if it were truly under Russian control. The situation in the region remains tense, with active combat operations continuing on the approaches to Kostiantynivka.

Control over Kostiantynivka is a strategically significant objective for both sides in the conflict, as the city sits on key routes to other strategic settlements. Meanwhile, the information war persists, with both sides seeking to highlight their battlefield successes. The prolonged fighting in this region indicates that the conflict will remain active, and new attempts to shift the front line may occur in the near future.

As the situation unfolds, it's crucial to understand the broader context of these claims. For a detailed analysis of the ongoing control of Kostiantynivka and its implications for the regional conflict, see our report on how the city remains firmly under Ukrainian authority, despite the persistent disinformation from the Kremlin. Explore more about the current status of Kostiantynivka.