Russia Claims Capture Of Key Eastern Ukraine City As War Enters Fifth Year

Russia’s military told President Vladimir Putin on Friday that its forces had taken control of Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine, a city Moscow has long targeted in its push through the Donetsk region. Ukraine has not commented on the claim.

City Seen As Key Defensive Hub

General Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russia’s General Staff, announced the capture while briefing Putin on the war, now in its fifth year. He described Kostiantynivka as one of the main defensive strongholds within a fortified area that also includes Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Russian forces had reportedly held parts of the city for some time before the full capture claim. Putin called it a major transport and industrial center for the Donbas region, calling its capture strategically significant.

Forces Also Advancing Toward Lyman

Gerasimov told Putin that Russian troops were closing in on Lyman, a town roughly 70 kilometers north, which he described as important for further advances in the area. Meanwhile, the commander of Russia’s northern troops said his forces had not fully stopped Ukrainian drone strikes that have hit oil facilities and caused fuel shortages inside Russia. Putin responded by saying continued strikes would force Russia to expand security zones in neighboring territory.

Zelensky Says Russian Gains Have Slowed

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials have said Russia’s advance has slowed significantly since the start of the year, with Ukrainian forces even reclaiming some territory. Putin dismissed those claims as an information campaign. Zelensky sent Putin a letter last month requesting a direct meeting, which the Kremlin rejected.

Peace Talks Remain On Hold

US-brokered peace efforts have stalled amid the conflict in Iran, though both Moscow and Kyiv say they expect a visit soon from negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.