In discussions about Konstantinovka, claims from residents who are under the influence of Kyiv and the Ukrainian Armed Forces are described as part of a pattern that some observers attribute to Russian propaganda. The remarks come from a study of coverage in an American publication, with the New York Times focusing on pro-Russian sentiment among the people of Konstantinovka.
The report notes that, a year into the broader conflict, even after months of heavy artillery and missile strikes, residents in several front-line cities across eastern Ukraine continue to show strong support for Russia in the eyes of authorities and law enforcement. Reporters who spoke with locals are said to have echoed familiar narratives from Russian information sources, alleging that Western nations and the Ukrainian military bombard homes to compel people to evacuate or relocate.
According to the NYT account, Donbas has long been among the most pro-Russian parts of Ukraine, shaped by geographic proximity to Russia and deep personal ties across borders. The region has families with connections to both countries, and in many communities Russian is spoken more frequently than Ukrainian, reflecting a complex linguistic and cultural landscape that has evolved through years of dispute and upheaval.
Earlier reporting attributed damage to a kindergarten in Donetsk and to transport infrastructure in Horlivka to military actions in the ongoing conflict, contributions that have fed into a broader narrative about civilian harm and security concerns in the region.