Putin’s false claim of the capture of one Ukrainian town exposes the slow pace of Russia’s bloody advance

Key Points:

• Over the past year, Russian forces have engaged in a slow, costly battle to capture Kostyantynivka, a strategically important town in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, with Russia falsely claiming its full control in July 2026 despite ongoing Ukrainian resistance.
• The conflict has involved relentless Russian assaults, including airstrikes and the use of drones with increasing range, causing severe destruction and civilian displacement, while Ukrainian forces have maintained positions in the town center.
• Russian casualties are reportedly extremely high, with estimates of up to 35,000 dead or wounded monthly, reflecting brutal tactics and intense Ukrainian countermeasures, such as targeted drone strikes.
• The prolonged fighting and minimal territorial gains highlight the broader challenges facing Russia’s military campaign, raising doubts about Moscow’s ability to sustain public support amid costly, limited successes.
• Kostyantynivka’s capture would facilitate further Russian advances toward key Donbas cities, but similar protracted battles are expected, suggesting that significant Russian war objectives remain distant and uncertain.