The Russian Ministry of Defense has informed President Vladimir Putin that Russian forces have taken control of the city of Konstantinovka, located in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. [Link]
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied these claims, stating that the city remains under Ukrainian control. [Link] He also called on Putin to come to Konstantinovka and hold negotiations to end the war.
During a meeting with military personnel on July 4, Putin stated that Russian units had established control over Konstantinovka. According to him, capturing this city was the first stage of breaching the fortified defensive area along the Sloviansk–Kramatorsk–Konstantinovka axis.
Zelensky, however, called this statement a "lie," emphasizing that if the city were under Russian control, Putin would dare to hold a meeting there.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine also reported that Konstantinovka remains under the control of Ukrainian forces. According to the General Staff, the situation in the city remains difficult, and Russian troops are continuing their offensive operations.
It was also stated that Russian units are attempting to penetrate the Ukrainian defense line through small infantry groups, which is one of the key tactics of the modern battlefield, where drones are widely used.
