President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to Vladimir Putin’s claims that Russian forces had allegedly “captured” Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region and offered to meet him in the city.
Zelensky said this after a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
According to the president, ahead of U.S. Independence Day, Putin “decided to lie to the world and to the President of America” about the situation on the front line.
Zelensky said the Russian dictator was claiming that Kostiantynivka in Donbas had allegedly been captured, but this did not reflect reality.
“Of course, this is not true — it is just another Russian lie to create at least some kind of news”, the president said.
Zelensky added that if Kostiantynivka were really under Russian control, Putin should have no problem meeting him there.
“If Kostiantynivka is now under Russia’s control, then Putin should probably have no problem meeting me there and finding diplomatic solutions to finally end the war”, the head of state said.
At the same time, Zelensky stressed that Putin “will not cross the front line” because the real situation is very different from his claims.
“The truth is very different from Putin’s words”, the president emphasized.
During the conversation with Merz, Zelensky also discussed the situation on the front line and the results of Ukrainian forces.
Missiles for Patriot systems were discussed separately. According to the president, this is now a key issue for protecting Ukrainians from Russian ballistic missiles.
Zelensky stressed that Russia is making its final bet on missile strikes against Ukraine, because it has no other opportunities left to drag out the war.
The president thanked Germany for its support and assistance to Ukraine, calling it one of the global leaders in protecting life.
