Ukraine war latest: Zelensky calls Putin's Kostiantynivka bluff; Ukraine nearly doubles successful strikes behind Russian lines

Key Points:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Russian claims that Kostiantynivka is under Russian control, inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet there to discuss diplomatic solutions, while Ukrainian forces continue to defend the city despite difficult fighting.
• On the U.S. Independence Day, Zelensky expressed gratitude for American military support, particularly highlighting the importance of Patriot missile systems to defend against Russian ballistic attacks, and called for continued U.S. leadership in protecting freedom.
• Ukraine intensified strikes on Russian military infrastructure across occupied territories, including 16 power stations in Crimea causing widespread blackouts, as well as attacks on airfields, ammunition depots, and logistics hubs to disrupt Russian operations.
• Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported that successful Ukrainian strikes over 50 kilometers behind Russian lines nearly doubled in June, targeting supply routes and logistics to weaken Russian forces, with over 200,000 enemy targets hit and nearly 28,000 Russian troops killed or seriously injured during the month.