Zelenskyy Calls Russian Capture Claim a Lie; Kremlin Mocks Proposal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vehemently denied Russian claims of capturing the eastern city of Konstantynivka, labeling the assertion as "another Russian lie" intended to create media buzz. He suggested that if Russia truly controlled the city, Vladimir Putin would have no issue meeting him there to negotiate an end to the war.

"Of course, this is not true. It is just another Russian lie, an attempt to create some echo in the media," Zelenskyy wrote on platform X. "If Konstantynivka were under Russian control, then perhaps Putin would have no problem meeting me there to find a diplomatic way to finally end this war."

The Kremlin responded with derision. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov scoffed at Zelenskyy's proposal, asserting that Konstantynivka is already part of Russia. He reiterated Moscow's standing invitation for Zelenskyy to meet Putin in the Russian capital.

Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Defense announced it was ready to conduct a "humanitarian operation" to transfer the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers allegedly found in Konstantynivka following its "liberation." The ministry proposed a six-hour ceasefire around the city on Wednesday to facilitate the exchange, setting a deadline for Ukraine to respond by noon on July 5. Konstantynivka is considered a crucial bastion in Ukraine's defense line in the Donbas, and its capture would provide Russian forces a strategic foothold.

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Of course, this is not true. It is just another Russian lie, an attempt to create some echo in the media. If Konstantynivka were under Russian control, then perhaps Putin would have no problem meeting me there to find a diplomatic way to finally end this war.