Kremlin Says It Is Ready for Civilian Evacuation From Kostiantynivka, Seeks Security Guarantees

The Kremlin said on Friday that it is prepared to carry out a humanitarian operation to evacuate civilians from the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka, provided it receives appropriate security guarantees. Russia points to the model used last month in the town of Oleshky. The offer touches on the question of which side actually controls the city in Russia's war against Ukraine, and Kyiv is treating it with suspicion.

Putin's proposal

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday suggested a joint Russian-Ukrainian mission to U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. In his words, it would let the world understand who controls Kostiantynivka. Putin's aide Yury Ushakov claimed the American envoys "actively supported" the idea.

Putin also said the mission could help settle disputes over contested "gray zones" along the front line. "If, as the Ukrainian authorities claim, they control this town, let them ensure security there. I believe this town is controlled by Russian troops," he said. According to him, Russia would ensure security on its side, and de-mining the access roads would take five days. If Ukraine controls the town, he said, it should do the same.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged the United States and Europe, if they truly seek peace, to use their influence to push the Ukrainians toward carrying out the operation. He also dismissed concerns about troop rotation, saying any movements would be clearly visible from satellites and drones.

Kyiv's response

Kyiv has voiced concern that Moscow could use ceasefires for such missions so its military can regroup. Ukrainian presidential communications adviser Dmytro Lytvyn said on Thursday that equipment was brought in and troops were rotated in Oleshky under the cover of a humanitarian operation, so it is clear Russia wants to do the same in Kostiantynivka.

Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, who oversaw the Oleshky mission together with his Russian counterpart Yana Lantratova, said on Friday that Kostiantynivka was not even mentioned among the potential settlements where similar missions could be organized.