--- title: "Putin and Military Leaders Exaggerated the Capture of Konstantynivka: ISW Data and Zelenskyy's Reaction" description: "ISW analysts exposed Kremlin exaggerations: Putin and generals claimed the capture of Konstantynivka, but there is no evidence of control. Zelenskyy proposed a meeting with Putin in this city but was rejected. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ‡ΊπŸ”₯" date: 2026-07-05T05:22:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/putin-and-military-leaders-exaggerated-the-capture-of-konstantynivka-isw-data-and-zelenskyy-s-reaction tags: [] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Putin and Military Leaders Exaggerated the Capture of Konstantynivka: ISW Data and Zelenskyy's Reaction ![Vladimir Putin at a desk in an office, discussing the situation with Konstantinovka β€” ISW data and Zelensky's reaction](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/05/putin-preuvelichil-zahvat-konstantinovki-dannye-isw-i-reaktsiya-zelenskogo/putin-preuvelichil-zahvat-konstantinovki-dannye-isw-i-reaktsiya-zelenskogo-1.webp) Vladimir Putin and several Russian military commanders significantly exaggerated claims about the alleged "capture" of Konstantynivka in the Donetsk region. The reality on the front lines does not match the optimistic reports coming from the Kremlin. This is evidenced by a new report from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), published by RBC-Ukraine. ### An Informational Victory Instead of a Tactical One On Friday, July 3, the Russian President listened to military reports on the progress of the operation. Command reported that assault units of motorized rifle battalions allegedly captured key objects in the city: factories, churches, and residential quarters. Analysts note that a significant part of the meeting was dedicated to these tactical details. According to experts, the goal was to present Russian troops as effective in urban combat and to achieve an informational victory through a loud announcement of the city's capture. However, the actual situation on the ground contradicts these reports. Typically, ISW records videos of Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) strikes on enemy positions in areas where Russian troops are advancing. This time, analysts found no recorded strikes against Russia in the Konstantynivka area, which casts doubt on the scale of the enemy's presence in the city. ### Fake Evidence and Lack of Equipment To confirm their words, Russian sources, including the Ministry of Defense, released a series of video clips. They show small groups of soldiers with flags in Konstantynivka and the surrounding areas. However, analysts point out the manipulative nature of these materials: the clips often cut off, hiding real positions and the fate of the fighters. Furthermore, there is no evidence of the use of Russian heavy equipment, mortars, or artillery within the city limits, which would be inevitable with real control over the territory. The Ukrainian side categorically rejects Moscow's claims. The General Staff of the AFU and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirm that as of June 23, Ukrainian forces still outnumber the enemy. According to Ukrainian military sources, in mid-June, there were between 100 and 250 Russian soldiers in the city. Even Russian military correspondents and commanders admitted that the AFU held positions in the city on July 3 and 4, which finally undermines the version of a full capture. ### Political PR and Zelenskyy's Proposal ISW experts believe that the topic of the "capture" is being used by Putin to create a narrative about the imminent fall of the entire Donetsk region. Although Russian troops are indeed penetrating the city, these actions will not lead to a rapid operational breakthrough. The offensive in the spring-summer of 2026 has not yet yielded strategic results, and the attempt to take Konstantynivka may exhaust the offensive potential of the Russian army. Against this backdrop, a diplomatic dispute has flared up. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, refuting the capture of the city, proposed to Putin to hold a bilateral meeting precisely in Konstantynivka. The Ukrainian leader's logic is simple: if the city is allegedly under Kremlin control, the Russian President should not have any problems accessing it. Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov rejected this proposal, suggesting that Zelenskyy come to Moscow. In the evening of July 4, telephone conversations took place between the leaders of Ukraine and the USA, as well as Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. During the conversation with the American politician, the Russian leader talked about the "realities" on the battlefield, asserting that Russia is advancing on all fronts, despite the lack of real evidence of control over Konstantynivka.