Russia Claims Capture of Kostiantynivka, Putin Calls It Major Strategic Victory in Ukraine War
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Moscow
- Jul 04, 2026
- 58
Russia Announces Capture of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Region
Russia (Reuters) has claimed a significant battlefield breakthrough in the ongoing Ukraine conflict and war announcing that its forces have taken full control of Kostiantynivka, a strategically important city in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.
The announcement was made on Friday after Russian President Vladimir Putin received an operational briefing from the country's top military commanders. Moscow described the reported capture as a major milestone in its campaign to secure the Donbas region.
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If confirmed independently, the development could mark one of Russia's most important territorial gains in eastern Ukraine this year.
Putin Praises Military Success
During a visit to a Russian military command post, Putin congratulated frontline troops and praised the operation, calling Kostiantynivka a critical transport junction and industrial hub whose capture would strengthen Russia's military position in Donbas.
According to the Kremlin, Putin also instructed commanders to expand security buffer zones along Russia's border in response to increasing long-range Ukrainian drone and missile strikes targeting energy infrastructure, including oil facilities.
Russian Army Pushes Forward Across Donetsk
Chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov informed Putin that Russian troops had completed the operation to seize Kostiantynivka and were continuing offensive actions aimed at bringing the entire Donetsk region under Moscow's control.
Gerasimov described the city as one of Ukraine's strongest defensive positions within the Sloviansk–Kramatorsk–Kostiantynivka fortified line, making its reported capture strategically valuable for future military advances.
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Russia's Defence Ministry also released photographs and videos allegedly showing Russian soldiers raising national flags inside the heavily damaged city.
Focus Shifts to Lyman
Military officials further stated that Russian forces are advancing toward Lyman, another strategically significant town located about 70 kilometres north of Kostiantynivka.
Russian commanders believe securing Lyman would improve logistics and create new opportunities for further operations in eastern Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russian officials admitted that Ukrainian drone attacks continue to target oil depots and fuel infrastructure inside Russia, despite ongoing defensive measures.
Ukraine Yet to Confirm Russian Claim
As of Friday, Ukraine had not officially responded to Russia's announcement regarding Kostiantynivka.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously maintained that Russia's offensive momentum in eastern Ukraine has slowed considerably this year. Kyiv has also claimed to have regained territory in several sectors through counterattacks.
Putin rejected those statements, accusing Ukraine of conducting an information campaign designed to project battlefield successes.
Peace Negotiations Remain Uncertain
Efforts led by the United States to revive peace negotiations remain stalled as geopolitical tensions continue to reshape diplomatic priorities.
However, both Moscow and Kyiv have indicated that senior U.S. representatives, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are expected to visit in the near future to explore possible avenues for renewed dialogue.
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