IN BRIEF: Konstantinovka as key to Kiev’s last stronghold in Donbass

Military operation in UkraineIN BRIEF: Konstantinovka as key to Kiev’s last stronghold in Donbass Kiev lost about 13,500 troops in Konstantinovka in an attempt to show alleged successes© Dmitriy Yagodkin/TASSMOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the Russian General Staff and First Deputy Chief of the General Staff Sergey Rudskoy held a briefing to outline the main stages of the liberation of the city of Konstantinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), which, according to him, is the key to Kiev’s last stronghold in Donbass - the Kramatorsk-Slavyansk agglomeration. TASS has compiled Rudskoy's key statements. Ukrainian defense system - Kiev had been building a system of defensive positions in Konstantinovka since 2014 and significantly reinforced it after the fall of Bakhmut (known as Artyomovsk in Russia). - Ukrainian forces in Konstantinovka established more than 80 obstacle zones and over 50 fortified defensive strongpoints, including facilities such as kindergartens and schools. - The first defensive line in Konstantinovka consisted of a system of 30 km of explosive barriers. The second defensive line reached up to 35 km. - The defense system included trenches and ditches, covered by minefields. - Konstantinovka was the most heavily fortified Ukrainian defensive area. Ukrainian forces - The city was held by nationalist formations from the Lyut brigade, considered the most combat-ready Ukrainian unit. - Ukraine formed a grouping of seven brigades totaling up to 15,500 personnel to hold Konstantinovka. Liberating city territory - Russian forces took control of more than 66 square km during the liberation of Konstantinovka. - The old town of Konstantinovka, featuring low-rise buildings and a high-rise district, was the most difficult to capture. - Russian forces took control of the Stroysteklo plant in Konstantinovka in late April. - Administrative buildings in the Tsentralny and Krasny Gorodok neighbourhoods were taken under control in late May. - The Megatex industrial zone came under Russia’s control in early June. - The southwestern area of Konstantinovka, the so-called Ukrainsky Khutor, was liberated in mid-June. - The Yuzhny and Vtoroy districts were liberated in the second half of May, while a livestock complex on the outskirts of the city was seized in early June. Enemy losses - The Ukrainian command ordered the army to hold Konstantinovka in an attempt to demonstrate its strength to the West. - Kiev lost about 13,500 troops in Konstantinovka in an attempt to show alleged successes. - Ukrainian forces were pushed back several kilometers from Konstantinovka. - The enemy failed to hold Konstantinovka under the pressure of Russian troops despite all efforts. TagsMilitary operation in UkraineMilitary operation in UkraineUkrainian command ordered holding Konstantinovka seeking to please West — General StaffThe Kiev regime thus attempted to convince Western curators of the alleged ability of Ukrainian troops to stop the advance of the Russian army in this directionRead moreMore than 200 UAVs headed toward Moscow Region over past 24 hours — mayorAir defenses neutralized most of them at long range, while 62 were destroyed as they approached the cityRead moreInvestigation sees woman behind Monaco explosion — Le FigaroSeveral newspaper sources claim that the woman conducted reconnaissance several days and several hours before the explosionRead moreMonetary policy cannot provide for predetermined economic growth parametersThe Central Bank added that any freeze of Russians’ deposit is impossible in any conditionsRead moreChinese mobile UAV launch systems changing rules of war — expertYue Gang explained that containerized modular weapon systems provide "a distributed, intelligent combat architecture spanning both maritime and land domains"Read moreRussian Cabinet closes border crossings with Baltic States, FinlandThe Russian Foreign Ministry was instructed to notify Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki about the decision made by Moscow and effective from July 1Read moreHouthis claim missile strikes on Saudi aircraft over YemenThe Saudi enemy’s warplanes violated the airspace of Yemeni provinces in an attempt to prevent a civilian Iranian planeRead moreRussian foreign minister outlines what Moscow expects from next UN secretary-generalBoth sides "reaffirmed their commitment to the central coordinating role of the UN in world affairs"Read moreFarewell ceremony for Ali Khamenei begins in IranCrowds of Iranians are heading along specially organized walking routes to the entrances to MosallaRead moreTwo people killed in shooting at shopping mall in Michigan — TVThree people were injuredRead moreRussian forces gain foothold on outskirts of Bely Kolodez near Kharkov — expertEarlier, the law enforcement agencies said that Ukraine was constantly transferring reserves from the rear areas of the Kharkov Region to hold the village of Bely KolodezRead moreMonument dedicated to late Supreme Leader installed in downtown TehranA clenched-fist monument dedicated to Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been installed in Enghelab SquareRead moreTehran offers Japanese companies to purchase Iranian oil — KyodoAccording to the news agency, Iran sees oil supplies to "a friendly country like Japan" to be a positive development and hopes for Japanese investment in the energy sector after reaching a final agreement with the United StatesRead moreChina to develop relations with Iran unwaveringly — deputy head of parliamentHe Wei stressed that China is ready to work with the Iranian side to make efforts to ensure a stable and long-term development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countriesRead moreMedvedev meets with Iranian leadershipA Russian delegation arrived in Tehran for the mourning ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader of Iran Ali KhameneiRead moreTrump has successes to show before elections in November — senatorKonstantin Kosachev pointed out that the unfavorable external environment for the White House would not necessarily be the only factor that would determine the outcome of the election campaignRead moreNovak instructs oil companies to ensure additional fuel supplies to Russian regionsParticular attention was paid to the regional fuel markets of the Irkutsk Region and the Trans-Baikal RegionRead moreUkrainian army suffering heavy losses, fact evident during bodies swaps — MFAThe losses suffered by Kiev on the battlefield are enormous, the diplomat stressedRead moreMessi first to score 20 goals at World CupThe Argentine consolidated his leadership in the list of the best scorers in the history of the tournament, breaking away from forward of the French national team Kylian MbappeRead moreEnergy crisis not yet affecting food prices owing to reserves — FAOThe FAO Food Price Index lost 0.3% monthly in June 2026 and stood at 130.3 pointsRead moreMedvedev calls Bab el-Mandeb Strait Iran’s 'thermonuclear weapon'Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman added that "by blocking traffic, Iran has, of course, demonstrated its strengthRead moreNATO leaders to reiterate 'long-term threat' from Russia at upcoming summit — agencyAccording to Reuters, all participants in the summit are expected to affirm commitment to collective defenseRead moreDefendants in attempted murder of Simonyan agreed to commit crime for $50,000The plotters were apprehended by FSB officersRead moreTrump in for difficult two years in case of Republican defeat in November — senatorRussian Federation Council Vice Speaker Konstantin Kosachev noted that Donald Trump "will do his best to find a way out of this situation"Read moreEurobureaucrats need to recognize link between migration policy, housing crisis — DmitrievThus Kirill Dmitriev commented on the words of the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about the need to create an alliance within the European Union to address housing issuesRead moreUS will never be communist country — TrumpAccording to Donald Trump, there is "a resurgence of the communist menace" in the United States, including from "newcomers" to the countryRead moreUkraine loses 13,500 troops in Konstantinovka to show fake gains — General StaffRussian army also destroyed 14 tanks, 283 armored fighting vehicles, 1,400 motor vehiclesRead moreLearning personally from Putin about Russia’s foreign policy important for Turkey — FidanThe Foreign Minister added that it is important for Turkey to understand Russia’s position on the "ongoing peace process in the Caucasus," positions and opinions on Palestine, Gaza, Lebanon, and SyriaRead morePutin highlights need to continue massive strikes on Ukrainian defense industry sitesVladimir Putin stressed that some EU leaders had welcomed Ukraine’s "innovative" use of drone technologiesRead moreMoldovan prime minister announces resignationAlexandru Munteanu said he could no longer carry out his mandate in accordance with his principles and convictionsRead moreMedvedev speaks with Iranian president at Ali Khamenei funeral ceremonyAfter the Russian delegation, led by Dmitry Medvedev, paid tribute to Ali Khamenei, the deputy chairman approached Iranian officials gathered in the mourning hallRead moreWest behind Ukraine terrorist state project now threatening Europe — politicianKiev has already issued threats to European politicians too, Viktor Medvedchuk recalledRead moreThai police unveil international platform to combat fraudThe Royal Thai Government has declared the fight against online fraud a national priorityRead moreRussian military chief reports to Putin results of massive strike on Ukraine — KremlinDmitry Peskov highlighted that the strikes had targeted only military or military-related facilitiesRead moreUkrainian attack on city bus in Lugansk People’s Republic leaves 12 injuredLeonid Pasechnik added that Russian investigators continued to document the consequences of such attacksRead moreRussian troops liberate 11 communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brassRussian troops delivered one massive and five combined strikes by precision weapons and UAVs on Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises, energy facilities and logistics centers over the weekRead moreMassive power outages in Cuba after accident at thermal power plant in HavanaThe Felton-1 power unit has already been commissioned, it generates 50 MW and increases the load, the national energy company of Cuba saidRead moreRussia develops 'Moon training ground' to train astronauts for lunar missionsRussia’s Federal Medical and Biological Agency is also developing simulators to prepare the astronauts 's sensory and vestibular systems for flight conditionsRead moreArgentina's national team reaches round of 16 of FIFA World CupLionel Messi scored his 20th goal at the World Championships and consolidated his leadership in the list of the best scorers in the history of the tournamentRead moreKiev deliberately targeted bus carrying Belarusians in Bryansk Region — Russian envoyBoris Gryzlov noted that it was the second consecutive deliberate strike by Kiev against Belarusian citizens on Russian territoryRead moreRussia enters outskirts of Kharkov’s Kazachya Lopan and gaining foothold — expertEarlier, Andrey Marochko said that Russian forces are actively fighting near Kazachya Lopan with less than one km left to the settlementRead moreOver 4,300 killed in Israeli strikes since March 2 Lebanon escalation — health ministryAnother 12,199 were injuredRead moreFinland on list of targets for Russian nuclear weapons — MedvedevThe deputy chairman of the Security Council explained that this happened after Finland lifted its ban on the import of nuclear weaponsRead moreColombian national team reaches round of 16 of FIFA World CupThe South Americans' next opponent will be the Swiss national teamRead moreRussia and US have no ideological differences, should be partners — Russian embassyAccording to the Russian embassy, even in worst years of the Cold War Moscow and Washington, realizing their responsibility for world’s peace and security, did find ways to avoid confrontationRead moreRussia has no intentions of attacking Europe — Russian ambassador in LondonEscalation is possible only on the initiative of the West itself, Andrey Kelin saidRead moreUkraine deliberately targets crowded Tokmak market ahead of weekend — authoritiesFive people were killed and 18 others were wounded as a result of the Ukrainian attack on the Tokmak city marketRead moreKremlin sees Germany's continued sponsoring of Ukraine as paradoxDmitry Peskov commented on Germany’s move to bring charges of sabotaging the gas pipelines against a Ukrainian nationalRead moreRussia, Belarus need to repel any attacks on Union State’s security — LavrovSergey Lavrov emphasized that Russia is firmly committed to close foreign policy coordination with Belarusian alliesRead moreIranian president expresses gratitude to Medvedev for attending Khamenei farewellMasoud Pezeshkian expressed appreciation to Dmitry Medvedev and his accompanying delegation for their participation, as well as for the condolences and support extended by the government and people of Russia to the people of IranRead moreJapan opts for sanctions against Russia but considers it important to maintain relationsChief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara added that Tokyo would continue to promote support for recovery and reconstruction to strengthen Ukraine’s socio-economic systemRead moreMedvedev conveys Putin’s condolences over Khamenei’s death to PezeshkianDeputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, who led the Russian delegation that visited Iran to attend the funeral ceremony for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, made the remarks while speaking to journalists following the visitRead morePilgrims from across Iran gather in Tehran to pay last respects to late supreme leaderIranians are gathering in the capital’s main squares, including Enghelab and Valiasr, as well as near the Imam Khomeini Mosalla, Tehran’s largest religious and public venueRead moreRussian schoolboy only contestant able to crack cryptography problem at OlympiadHe noted that the problem was worth a lot of pointsRead moreMedvedev says all sanctions against Russia are illegalThese are measures not provided for by the UN Charter or other international treaties, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council saidRead moreWorld Cup round of 16 lineup completeThe tournament is being held in the United States, Mexico and CanadaRead moreUkrainian command ordered holding Konstantinovka seeking to please West — General StaffThe Kiev regime thus attempted to convince Western curators of the alleged ability of Ukrainian troops to stop the advance of the Russian army in this directionRead moreChinese Maritime Police to increase activity in waters east of TaiwanThe patrols are carried out to "protect the legitimate interests, as well as the lives and property of Chinese fishermen, including the Taiwanese compatriots"Read moreMedvedev attends funeral ceremony for Ali KhameneiThe ceremony is taking place at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla, Tehran's largest religious and public complexRead morePutin congratulates Trump on 250th anniversary of US independenceRussia and the United States, as the world's two largest nuclear powers, bear a special responsibility for ensuring global security and stability, the Russian leader statedRead moreHungary greenlights another cluster in Ukraine's EU accession talksThe next accession cluster in Ukraine’s membership talks will open on July 14Read moreRussian government permits sales of Euro-3 fuel in Russia until year-endSeveral oil processing plants were allowed to produce gasoline with higher maximum permitted sulfur contentRead moreLavrov believes Japan still has supporters of cooperation with RussiaThe top diplomat's message was read out at the exhibition’s opening ceremony at the Russian Embassy in TokyoRead moreMedvedev calls US aggression against Iran unprovokedThere was no justification for Washington's attack, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman saidRead moreRussia strongly condemns brutal Ukrainian strike on Tokmak — diplomatAccording to preliminary reports, five people were killed and 18 others suffered injuries, Maria Zakharova saidRead moreThose involved in attempt on Simonyan’s life committed six attacks on foreignersBetween September 2022 and July 2023, Mikhail Balashov and at least eleven members of his cell - including minors - were responsible for these six attacksRead moreTASS to hold two sessions at Innoprom exhibitionThe discussion on the "Social Mission of Business in the Era of Turbulence: Additional Burden or Profitable Investment?" will be held on July 7 as part of the People and Industry trackRead moreSt. Petersburg comes under large-scale drone attackGovernor Alexander Beglov urged residents to remain indoors and avoid going outside until the drone threat ceasesRead moreUkraine accumulates only half of necessary gas reserves for winterThe accumulation is hampered by rising prices on the European energy markets and high demand for gas in EU countriesRead moreEgyptian national team wins playoff match at FIFA World Cup for first timeThe Egyptians defeated the Australian team in a penalty shootoutRead moreThousands of Iranians rally in Tehran, chanting 'death to America,' 'Khamenei leader'Thousands of Iranian flags, portraits of Ali Khamenei and current leader Mojtaba Khamenei are flying over the Engelab squareRead moreFive dead, 18 injured: what is known about Ukrainian attack on Zaporozhye marketA drone struck the city market in Tokmak in the Zaporozhye RegionRead moreMedvedev says Russia proposed peaceful solutions to issue of Iranian nuclear materialsThe pretext for US aggression was "a certain Iranian nuclear program, a subject of long-standing debate," Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman saidRead moreLyut brigade held Konstantinovka - General StaffThe enemy assembled a substantial force comprising seven brigades, or a total of 45 battalionsRead moreLondon is deluded in its belief that proxy wars can go unpunished — Russian ambassadorAndrey Kelin highlighted the British government's promises to supply Kiev with hundreds of thousands of UAVs, as well as the initial testing of long-range missilesRead moreSCO's strength in combination of firm principles, flexible mechanisms — secretary generalThe organization demonstrates in practice that on the basis of an equal dialogue it is possible to provide the necessary space for joint development, building trusting and good-neighborly relations, Nurlan Yermekbayev saidRead moreAir defenses down 188 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions in 12 hoursThe drones were downed over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Vladimir, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tver, Tula, and Moscow regions, as well as CrimeaRead moreSales of new passenger cars, LCVs in Russia gain 27% in June to 118,000 units — AEBIn the first six months of 2026, sales of new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia increased by 10% compared to the same period in 2025, totaling 600,844 unitsRead moreNATO summit pledges to tack on €10B to EU's €60B promised earlier to Kiev — AFPThe United States has previously stated that it does not plan to allocate funds for financing UkraineRead moreBattlegroup West completes destruction of Ukrainian formations in Krasny Liman areaThe reinforcement units are carrying out mine clearance and mopping up of the settlementRead moreRussian strikes reduce Ukraine's ability to make missiles — chief of general staffValery Gerasimov emphasized that the Kiev regime's critical dependence on supplies of components, explosives and fuel from Western countries continues to growRead moreBattlegroup South’s storm troopers complete Konstantinovka cleansing from Ukrainian armyHead of the group's press center Vadim Astafyev stated that the Ukrainian losses in the city amounted to up to 80 soldiers, a Puma armored personnel carrier, 20 vehicles, and a self-propelled artillery installationRead moreIran shows journalists UNESCO-listed palace damaged by US, Israeli strikeStaff member of the museum's international department Shadi Jafari told TASS that restoring the palace will take three to five yearsRead moreFighters of Battlegroup North continue to push Ukraine away from Russian borders — PutinThe Russian leader pointed out that the creation of a security strip on the border is an important part of solving common tasksRead moreLavrov congratulates US public on 250th independence anniversaryBy building a genuine dialogue, Moscow and Washington are capable of achieving meaningful results and finding effective solutions to the most complex global and regional problems, the Russian foreign minister said Read moreMnogotochiye counter-drone cartridges supplied to Russian troops — RostecAccording to the state technology corporation, serial production is already underwayRead morePolish PM calls on delegation to NATO summit not to pledge funding to UkrainePoland is facing great commitments along the entire eastern border of the European Union, Donald Tusk saidRead moreKiev is remotely blockading populated areas with mines, drones — Russian envoyA particularly illustrative example cited was the effort by Kiev forces to create an artificial blockade around the town of Alyoshki in the Kherson RegionRead moreMessi first to play 30 matches at World CupLionel Messi achieved this thanks to his entry into the starting lineup for the game of round of 32 against the Cape Verdean teamRead moreEU’s transformation, Kiev’s involvement in Nord Stream sabotage: Kremlin’s briefingThe EU is spending enormous sums of money on the militarization of national economies, a reality that Russia takes into account, Dmitry Peskov stressedRead moreCitigroup expects Brent crude price to fall to $60 per barrel by year-end — BloombergAnalysts recommend using any potential summer rally in prices as an opportunity to sellRead moreUAC to increase confirmed range of MC-21 passenger jetThe confirmed flight range of the Russian passenger jet MC-21 will be increased to 4,000 kmRead moreFACTBOX: What we know about blast involving Rylsky District officials in Kursk RegionFour people sustained injuriesRead moreEU unable to match benefits of Russia cooperation for Baku, Yerevan — expertSouth Caucasus expert David Martirosyan noted that the EU’s claims of "billions of euros in profit" from the development of transport routes "do not reflect the current economic reality, but largely serve as a political tool"Read moreRussian Navy must guarantee critical damage to enemy — Maritime Board chiefNikolay Patrushev highlighted that the foremost objectives of national naval policy include maintaining strategic and regional stability across the global maritime domainRead moreStrike on market deadliest Ukrainian attack on civilians in Tokmak, authorities sayTokmak administration said this was a deliberate attack, carried out with the full understanding that it would result in the deaths of civiliansRead moreRussian diplomat comments on Ukrainian casualties, new phase of Kiev’s terrorismThe West does everything to shield Kiev from accountability, a stance that only emboldens terrorists, Rodion Miroshnik emphasizedRead moreRussian Railways ready to develop grain transportation to Iran — CEOThe company also signed a trilateral protocol with Iran and Azerbaijan, according to which the parties will continue to strengthen the commercial attractiveness of the North-South ITC routeRead moreTerritory of Lugansk People's Republic fully liberated — PutinRussian President Vladimir Putin also noted that the destruction of the Armed Forces of Ukraine continues on the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic, Zaporozhye and Kherson RegionsRead moreIN BRIEF: Putin's meeting on Konstantinovka liberation, special military operation courseThe Russian leader called the capture of this city the key to the liberation of the entire territory of the DPRRead moreUS believes that Israel plotted assassination of Araghchi, Ghalibaf — NYTAccording to the newspaper sources, when Washington learned about plans to assassinate the Iranian parliament speaker, it asked Israel to refrain from such attemptsRead more