Putin proposes a Kostiantynivka humanitarian mission during talks with US envoys, claiming Russian forces can guarantee security for the operation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a joint humanitarian mission in Kostiantynivka, eastern Ukraine, during talks with United States President Donald Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, at the Kremlin on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

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Putin suggested that the operation should follow the example of an earlier humanitarian initiative in Oleshky, another town in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory.

That operation reportedly enabled civilians to leave the area, while humanitarian assistance was delivered to those who remained.

The Russian president proposed involving the human rights ombudspersons of both countries in organising the mission. He also suggested inviting foreign journalists, including representatives of American media, to observe the operation.

Putin claimed that Russian forces controlled Kostiantynivka and were prepared to guarantee the mission’s security. He said Russia would need five days to clear mines from the area around the city.

He added that Ukraine should guarantee security on its side if Kyiv maintained that the city remained under Ukrainian control.

However, Putin’s assertion of Russian control remains disputed. Ukrainian military authorities have previously rejected claims that the city had fallen, maintaining that Ukrainian forces continued to defend positions there.

Reports on November 12 also indicated that Russian forces were still attempting to encircle Kostiantynivka, rather than having secured complete control of the city. Fighting has continued in and around the settlement.

The humanitarian situation remains a major concern as civilians continue to face the consequences of the fighting.

According to figures reported by Ukraine’s national news agency, Ukrinform, 784 civilians remained in the Kostiantynivka community as of September 2, 2026.

The Donetsk Regional Military Administration said there had been no children living in the community for an extended period.

Putin’s proposal comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war, following two days of US-mediated negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi.

Those discussions reportedly produced an agreement on a major prisoner exchange but no breakthrough on the wider conflict, particularly the disagreement over territory.

Witkoff and Kushner’s meeting with Putin was part of Washington’s latest effort to advance negotiations. The envoys were expected to travel to Dublin afterwards for discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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Whether the proposed humanitarian mission will proceed remains uncertain, with the competing claims over control of Kostiantynivka and the continuing military operations posing significant challenges to its implementation.