• President Zelenskiy disputes Russian claims of Kostiantynivka's capture.
• Russia reports taking five villages in eastern Ukraine but faces Ukrainian denials.
• Kostiantynivka remains crucial to Ukraine's defensive strategy in the Donetsk region.
• Zelenskiy challenges Putin to meet in Kostiantynivka for peace negotiations.
• Russian commanders assert operations are ongoing around the city and other areas.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has firmly rejected Russian claims regarding the capture of the eastern city of Kostiantynivka, insisting that it remains under Ukrainian control. He described the assertion from Moscow as "just another Russian lie" aimed at creating a false narrative, emphasizing, “If Kostiantynivka were under Russian control, then perhaps [Russian President Vladimir] Putin would have no problem meeting me there to find a diplomatic way to finally end this war,” according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

While Russia claims to have taken control of Kostiantynivka, its military reported that they are still addressing pockets of Ukrainian resistance in the area. In addition to Kostiantynivka, Russia announced the capture of four villages in Kharkiv and one in Donetsk—specifically Shyikivka, Novyi Myr, Cherneshchyna, Druzhelyubivka, and Vasylivka. However, these assertions have been met with skepticism, with correspondents noting that “Reuters could not verify the battlefield reports,” according to India Times.

Kostiantynivka plays a key role in Ukraine's defensive strategy, forming part of a defensive belt critical to holding the industrial Donetsk region. Analysts have indicated that capturing this city would significantly enhance Russia's ability to advance further into Ukrainian-held territory. Moreover, as Russian military activities continue, the situation in Kostiantynivka remains tense, with active fighting reported in other regional hotspots as well, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and India Times.