Russia claims control of key city in Donetsk region, Ukraine denies
On July 4 local time, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine denied reports that Russian troops had taken control of Konstantinovka in the Donetsk region, stating that the settlement is still under the control of the Ukrainian military.
Spokesman Kovalyov of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that based on the situational data from the Central Operational Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and information from the combat contact line, Konstantinovka is currently still within the control range of the Ukrainian military, which continues to conduct defensive operations along the established lines in that area and its surroundings.
Kovalyov revealed that Russian troops continue to attempt to capture the position, with a small number of infantry groups having penetrated deep into the Ukrainian defense line.
Russia claims control of the strategic stronghold of Konstantinovka
On the evening of July 3 local time, the Russian presidential website released a message stating that President Putin announced at a military meeting that Russian troops have fully controlled the Luhansk region and made significant progress in the Donetsk region. Putin pointed out that the strategic initiative on the battlefield is entirely in the hands of the Russian Armed Forces, and that Russian troops have taken control of the important stronghold of Konstantinovka in the Donetsk region.
Important stronghold in the Donetsk region: Konstantinovka
It is reported that Konstantinovka is one of the most important logistics and defense hubs in the northern part of the Donbas region, and the city, along with Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, forms a solid fortress area. Some analysts suggest that Konstantinovka is the gateway to other areas in the Donbas region; if it falls, Russian troops will be able to advance towards the remaining Ukrainian positions in the region—namely Slavyansk and Kramatorsk—and ultimately gain complete control over the Donbas region.
(Reporter: Dong Wei, CCTV)
Ukrainian Armed Forces deny Russian claims of control over Konstantynivka, asserting that the area remains under their control. Russian forces are reportedly making attempts to capture the town, with small infantry groups penetrating Ukrainian defensive lines. President Putin announced that Russian forces have made significant advances in the Donetsk region, including the claim of controlling Konstantynivka.
- Ukrainian Armed Forces deny Russian control of Konstantynivka.
- Russian President Putin claims significant progress in Donetsk region.
- Russian forces are attempting to penetrate Ukrainian defenses in Konstantynivka.
- Konstantynivka is a key logistical hub in the Donbas region.