Ukraine warns Putin's Kostiantynivka truce plan repeats Oleshky deception

During a meeting with US President Donald Trump's negotiators, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin proposed a humanitarian mission in Kostiantynivka, similar to a previous one in Oleshky. Ukrainian presidential communications advisor Dmytro Lytvyn suggested occupiers seek to exploit this ceasefire for their own benefit. Lytvyn noted that in Oleshky, Russians brought in equipment and rotated troops under the guise of a humanitarian operation, implying they want the same in Kostiantynivka. He added that all details of the proposal must be clarified. The talks took place on November 12 in the Kremlin with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Putin claimed Russia controls Kostiantynivka and needs five days to demine the area, though Ukraine has denied full occupation. The city is part of the strategically important Sloviansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration. During the Oleshky mission from October 27 to November 1, Russia used the pause to reinforce troops, and shelling later resumed.