Today at 14:06
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s claim that Russian forces had captured Kostiantynivka, calling it “another Russian lie” aimed at creating a propaganda narrative, UATV English reports.
Speaking after a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Zelenskyy said Putin’s statement does not reflect the reality on the battlefield.
“This is just another Russian lie to create at least some kind of headline. If Kostiantynivka is really under Russia’s control, then Putin should have no problem meeting me there to find diplomatic solutions to finally end the war. But he won’t even cross the front line — because the truth is very different from Putin’s words,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian president also stressed that strengthening air defense remains Kyiv’s immediate priority, particularly through additional interceptor missiles for Patriot systems.
“The key priority now is missiles for the Patriots to protect our people from Russian ballistic attacks… because missile strikes against Ukraine are Russia’s final bet. Russia has no other capabilities left to prolong this war,” Zelenskyy said.
