Putin’s Claim of Capturing Kostiantynivka Is Another Lie: The Real Situation on the Ground.

What’s Happening in Kostiantynivka

According to Espreso.tv: On July 3, 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, during which they announced that Kostiantynivka had been taken. However, available evidence shows the actual situation in the city is far different from what was stated. According to reports, as of mid-June, there were between 100 and 250 Russian soldiers in Kostiantynivka, and by June 23, Ukrainian troops outnumbered Russian forces there.

Given this information, Putin’s claim of controlling Kostiantynivka is highly questionable. The city is currently under the control of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, specifically the ‘East’ military group. It is also worth noting that since January 2026, Russian military commanders have been making similar public statements at least once a month, suggesting a systematic use of disinformation to boost troop morale.

Analysis of Military Operations

Furthermore, Russian troop advances in June 2026 were only a fraction of what they achieved in June 2025. These facts cast doubt on the effectiveness of Russian military operations in this area. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on Putin’s statement, calling it

“yet another lie”

In short, the situation in Kostiantynivka remains complex, and statements from Russian leadership can be seen as attempts to manipulate public opinion. Amid active combat and an ongoing information war, tracking developments here is crucial, as they could influence future strategic decisions by both sides. Analyzing the situation in Kostiantynivka may be critical for understanding the broader conflict and potential shifts in the balance of power on the front line.