Putin Greatly Exaggerated the Capture of Kostiantynivka — ISW
Russian Federation dictator Vladimir Putin and a number of high-ranking Russian military commanders have greatly exaggerated claims regarding the alleged “capture” of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region.
According to analysts at the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), these claims are untrue and are intended to create the illusion of military success for the occupying army.
During a meeting with military commanders on July 3, the Russian command reported that it had allegedly taken control of key sites in the city, including factories, churches, and residential neighborhoods.
“The Russian military command devoted a significant portion of the meeting to these tactical reports, likely to portray Russian forces as capable of advancing in urban combat and to capitalize on the propaganda victory achieved through the claimed capture of Kostiantynivka,” the ISW experts explained.
Analysts emphasize that these claims contradict the established pattern of combat operations, as strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on invading forces’ positions in areas of advance are typically documented.
However, this time, no evidence of such actions has been found in Kostiantynivka.
Instead, Russian propaganda uses short video clips showing small groups of soldiers raising flags; however, these recordings often cut off abruptly, concealing the occupiers’ actual location and fate.
Furthermore, experts have found no evidence that Russian troops have used heavy equipment, mortars, or artillery—which would necessarily accompany stable control over a city of this size.
This clearly indicates that the statements by the Russian Ministry of Defense are part of a disinformation campaign rather than a reflection of strategic changes on the battlefield.
Official Kyiv has categorically refuted these claims, confirming that Ukrainian forces continue to hold their positions.
According to military sources, as of mid-June, the Russian presence in the city was limited to small groups of up to 250 people, while Ukrainian units significantly outnumbered them in both strength and combat capability.
Even Russian military correspondents continued to publicly acknowledge on July 3 and 4 that the Ukrainian Armed Forces maintain control over Kostiantynivka, which completely undermines the Kremlin’s official narrative.
For the Russian leadership, this disinformation campaign is an attempt to convince its own public that the entire Donetsk region is on the verge of falling.
This is reported in a new report by the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Putin Threatened to Seize New Territories in Ukraine — NYT
As a reminder, Putin did not entrust Medvedev with leading the ruling party into the elections.
During a speech at the United Russia party congress, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin delivered yet another round of propaganda claims regarding the war in Ukraine and the domestic political situation in Russia. The Kremlin leader assured those present that the situation currently remains completely “under control” and that Western countries are incapable of defeating Russia on the battlefield.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed Putin’s statements and cited the actual losses suffered by Russia.
