Russia's Defense Ministry stated that Ukraine refused a proposed six-hour ceasefire in Kostiantynivka to allow for the handover of fallen Ukrainian soldiers' bodies. Russia also invited President Zelensky to Moscow for talks.
The refusal of a humanitarian ceasefire highlights the ongoing intense fighting and lack of de-escalation on the eastern front, with conflicting claims over control of a strategically important town.
Russia's Defence Ministry announced that Ukraine has refused to halt shelling in Kostiantynivka to allow for the handover of fallen Ukrainian soldiers' bodies. The ministry stated that Russian military commanders had informed President Vladimir Putin that Moscow's forces had taken control of the town, a claim denied by Ukraine, which asserts its forces remain in control. Kostiantynivka is considered a key locality that Russia has long sought to capture in its campaign in the Donetsk region. Russia had proposed a six-hour ceasefire on Monday to facilitate the body handover and had given Ukraine until Sunday morning to respond. Ukraine's defence ministry and general staff did not immediately comment.