Russian forces have seized full control of the strategic Ukrainian city of Kostjantyniwka in the Donetsk region, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskow. While Moscow reports the city is completely captured following intense combat, the Ukrainian General Staff has not confirmed the loss, reporting only that heavy fighting continues in the surrounding areas.
What is the current status of Kostjantyniwka?
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskow stated to journalists that Kostjantyniwka is “completely taken” and that the city is now “fully under [Russian] control.” According to Peskow, the capture of the industrial city came at the cost of high losses for Ukrainian defenders.
Following the reported takeover, Peskow noted that Putin spoke with the military and ordered the immediate evacuation of all remaining civilians in Kostjantyniwka.
The situation remains unverified by Ukrainian officials. The Ukrainian General Staff has not issued a comment regarding the Kremlin’s victory claims. In its most recent situation report, the General Staff acknowledged only that “heavy fighting” is occurring around the city. This lack of confirmation follows similar Russian reports of victory in the area during June, which were not subsequently validated by Kyiv.
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskow, Russian forces now maintain control over the entire Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine.
Why does the control of this city matter for the Donbas?
Kostjantyniwka serves as a strategic base on the way to the last major cities in the Donbas region that remain under Kyiv’s control.
If Russian forces consolidate control over this area, the primary remaining urban strongholds in the Donetsk region will include:
- Slovyansk
- Kramatorsk
- Druschkiwka
The city, which held a pre-war population of 78,000 residents, has been a central point of contention since late 2025. The capture of this stronghold moves Russian forces closer to their objective of bringing the entire Donbas under Russian administration.
Comparing the conflicting reports
There is a notable discrepancy between the narratives provided by Moscow and Kyiv regarding the current frontline status:
| Source | Reported Status of Kostjantyniwka |
|---|---|
| The Kremlin (Dmitri Peskow) | Completely captured; fully under Russian control. |
| Ukrainian General Staff | Heavy fighting occurring in the vicinity; no confirmation of fall. |
How is the conflict shifting in eastern Ukraine?
The reported fall of Kostjantyniwka follows a pattern of Russian military focus on the Donbas. After failing to occupy the entirety of Ukraine, Moscow has concentrated its efforts on securing the eastern territories.
With the reported control of the entire Luhansk region, the conflict is increasingly centered on the remaining administrative boundaries of the Donetsk region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Ukraine confirmed that Kostjantyniwka has fallen?
No. As of the latest reports, the Ukrainian General Staff has only confirmed heavy fighting in the area and has not commented on the city’s status.
What is the strategic importance of Kostjantyniwka?
It is a strategic base on the way to the last major cities in the Donbas region that remain under Kyiv’s control.
What did Putin order regarding the city’s residents?
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskow, Putin ordered the immediate evacuation of all remaining civilians in the city.
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