Kremlin Pushes Kostyantynivka Victory Narrative as ISW Reports Infiltration, Not Full Control
ISW says the Kremlin is running a targeted information campaign around the claimed seizure of Kostyantynivka to influence Trump and Western audiences, while Ukrainian officials and independent observers say Russian forces have infiltrated but not captured the city. Moscow floated a short-term ceasefire to extract Ukrainian KIA and consolidate positions, a move ISW views as cognitive warfare rather than a real concession. Russia continues to face manpower and air-defense challenges while conducting drone/missile strikes across Ukraine, with Belarusian support aiding rear-area stabilization; Ukraine counters with strikes on Russian assets and energy infrastructure across multiple fronts.