Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that Ukrainian and Russian forces are still engaged in battle for the key eastern town of Kostyantynivka, directly contradicting Moscow's earlier claim of capturing the settlement. The Kremlin announced earlier this week that its troops had taken control of the town, which lies on the route to important hubs in the Donetsk region. Kyiv has dismissed this as a “lie,” insisting that its forces are defending the town.
Zelensky Denies Russian Victory Claim
In his daily evening address, Zelensky said, “Fighting is also continuing for Kostyantynivka, which (Russian leader Vladimir) Putin has already claimed as his own, but it is obvious that he will never dare to appear there.” Kostyantynivka had a pre-war population of approximately 78,000 before Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Warning of New Russian Strikes
Zelensky also warned that Russia is preparing new large-scale attacks ahead of this week’s NATO summit in Turkiye, where he is expected to hold talks with US President Donald Trump regarding the war. “Intelligence once again has information the Russians are preparing a new massive strike,” Zelensky said. Earlier this week, he had issued a warning of an incoming Russian strike on Kyiv. Hours later, Moscow struck the Ukrainian capital, killing 30 people.
Ukrainian Strikes on Russia
Zelensky noted that Ukrainian strikes on Russia—which have reached as far as the Urals in recent months—are “every single day delivering results.” These increased strikes, particularly targeting Russian oil and fuel depots, have affected ordinary life in Russia. “Pressure must be put on Russia so that there is peace,” Zelensky said, adding that Kyiv has put forward its proposals and expects that in the “coming months the conditions for a dignified peace will be brought closer either by force or by diplomacy.”
Casualties and War Duration
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Europe’s worst conflict since World War II, has dragged on for nearly 4.5 years. On Sunday, at least four people were killed by Russian drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials.
