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Russian defence ministry says its forces captured Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine
Yahoo News UK • • world
Key Points:
- Russia's military announced it has taken control of Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine, a strategically important city in the Donetsk region, with President Putin praising the capture as a key achievement.
- General Valery Gerasimov reported that Russian forces are continuing offensive operations to "liberate" the entire Donetsk region, and are closing in on the town of Lyman, another strategic location.
- Putin stated that increased Ukrainian long-range strikes, particularly targeting Russia's oil industry, have forced Russian forces to expand security zones around civilian facilities.
- Ukraine has not commented on Russia's claim over Kostiantynivka, while Ukrainian officials maintain that Russian advances have slowed and some territories have been recaptured by Kyiv's forces.
- Peace talks mediated by the U.S. are currently on hold due to the conflict in Iran, but both Russia and Ukraine anticipate a forthcoming visit from negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
