Russia proposes ceasefire in Kostiantynivka and handover of bodies to Ukraine

Russia has said it is willing to hand over the bodies of fallen service members to Ukraine in Kostiantynivka and proposed a ceasefire in the city.

Source: Russian media outlets, citing the Russian Ministry of Defence

Quote: "Russia is willing to conduct a humanitarian action in the form of a handover of bodies of fallen Ukrainian service members in Kostiantynivka.

A ceasefire in the city from 12:00 to 18:00 Moscow time on 6 July is proposed to the Ukrainian side.

Ukraine must inform the Russian command of its decision regarding the handover of the bodies by 12:00 Moscow time on 5 July."

Background:

• Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin claimed earlier that Russian forces had "captured Kostiantynivka".
• Ukraine's General Staff later refuted claims that Kostiantynivka has been occupied by Russian troops.
• DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts, had previously noted that Russian forces had reached the outskirts of Kostiantynivka and were continuing to infiltrate the city.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a meeting with Putin in Kostiantynivka.
• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin welcomes Zelenskyy's willingness "to come to Russia for negotiations" and stated that Putin is willing to meet him in Moscow.

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