Zelensky: Fighting continues for Kostyantynivka - Reports of new Russian offensive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that battles are ongoing for the strategically vital city of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine, directly refuting the Kremlin's announcement of its capture by Russian forces. "The fighting continues for Kostyantynivka, which (Russian President Vladimir) Putin claims as his, but it is obvious that he will never dare to appear there," Zelensky stated in his regular address.

Moscow had earlier claimed control of the city, situated at a key point on the road network leading to significant areas of Donetsk. Kyiv, however, dismissed the claim as a "lie," insisting that Ukrainian forces are still defending the city, which had a pre-invasion population of approximately 78,000 residents in 2022.

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The fighting continues for Kostyantynivka, for which (Russian President Vladimir) Putin claims is his, but it is obvious that he will never dare to appear there.

President Zelensky issued a warning that Russia is preparing for new large-scale offensives in anticipation of the NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8 in Turkey. He indicated he would meet with U.S. President Donald Trump there to discuss the war's developments. "Intelligence services again have information that the Russians are preparing a new massive strike," the Ukrainian president noted.

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Intelligence services again have information that the Russians are preparing a new massive strike.

This warning follows earlier alerts from Zelensky about an impending Russian attack on Kyiv. Hours later, Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital resulted in the deaths of 30 people. Zelensky highlighted that Ukrainian strikes within Russian territory, which he said have reached the Ural Mountains in recent months, are "producing results every day." The escalation of Ukrainian attacks, primarily targeting Russian oil and fuel depots, has impacted daily life in Russia.

"We must put pressure on Russia for peace to exist," Zelensky emphasized. He added that Kyiv has presented its proposals and expects that "in the coming months, conditions for a decent peace will approach, either by force or by diplomatic means." According to Ukrainian authorities, at least four people were killed on Sunday in Russian drone and missile attacks. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, the most serious conflict in Europe since World War II, has now been ongoing for nearly four and a half years.

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We must put pressure on Russia for peace to exist.