Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces have taken control of Kostiantynivka, a strategically important town in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. The announcement was made during a military briefing, where Russian officials described the town as one of Ukraine’s key defensive positions in the area. According to Moscow, the capture marks another step forward in its campaign to secure more territory in eastern Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the reported advance and described Kostiantynivka as an important transport and industrial hub. Military officials said the town formed part of a larger defensive network that has been heavily contested throughout the conflict.

The Defence Ministry also released video footage that it claimed showed Russian troops raising national flags in different parts of the damaged town. However, the footage has not been independently verified.

Military Operations Continue Across the Region

Russia’s top military commander, General Valery Gerasimov, said operations are continuing in nearby areas, including around the town of Lyman, another location considered strategically important in eastern Ukraine. He added that Russian forces remain focused on expanding their territorial gains across the Donetsk region.

Officials in Moscow also acknowledged the growing challenge posed by Ukrainian drone attacks, particularly strikes targeting Russian energy infrastructure. President Putin called for the expansion of security zones near border regions to reduce the impact of those attacks.

Russian military leaders claimed that their forces had also made progress in border areas near the Kharkiv and Sumy regions, although fighting remains active across several parts of the front line.

Ukraine Yet to Respond

At the time of Russia’s announcement, Ukrainian officials had not publicly commented on the claim that Kostiantynivka had fallen. The situation on the ground remains difficult to verify independently, as intense fighting continues across eastern Ukraine.

The latest development comes as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled. A proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for direct talks with President Putin has not moved forward, while broader international peace efforts have also slowed in recent weeks.

As the war continues, both sides remain engaged in heavy military operations, with control of key towns and transport routes continuing to play a significant role in the conflict’s direction.