Russia claims control of key Ukrainian town Kostyantynivka

Russia announced on July 3, 2026, that its forces have taken control of Kostyantynivka, a key Ukrainian stronghold in the eastern Donetsk region. President Vladimir Putin described the town's role in the complete liberation of the Donetsk People's Republic. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also commented on the capture. The claim has not been independently verified.