Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that fighting continues in the eastern town of Kostyantynivka, rejecting claims from Moscow that Russian forces have taken control of the area. This announcement comes as Zelensky warns of a new wave of large-scale attacks from Russia ahead of this week's NATO summit in Turkey, where he is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump.
Ongoing Conflict in Kostyantynivka
Zelensky emphasized that the battle for Kostyantynivka is still active, countering Vladimir Putin's assertions of Russian control over the town. In his daily evening address, he declared, "Fighting is also continuing for Kostyantynivka, which Putin has already claimed as his own, but it is obvious that he will never dare to appear there." Before the invasion, Kostyantynivka had a population of approximately 78,000.
This town serves as a critical outpost en route to significant hubs in the Donetsk region. Zelensky's comments highlight the significant resistance Ukrainian forces are putting up against Russian advances, which the Ukrainian government has labeled as misinformation.
Russia's Preparations for New Attacks
In light of the ongoing conflict, Zelensky cautioned that intelligence reports indicate Russia is gearing up for a new series of large-scale strikes. Earlier this week, he had warned of an imminent Russian attack on Kyiv, which occurred hours later, resulting in the tragic loss of 30 lives.
