Journalist Alex Christophorou stated that the transfer of the city of Kostyantynivka to the control of Russian troops has become a serious blow to Ukraine and its Western partners on the eve of the NATO summit in Ankara. According to the expert, the situation undermines the plans of the collective West and the alliance's Secretary General, Mark Rutte, who had hoped to present Ukraine from a position of strength. Instead of the expected scenario of a triumphant advance by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Western countries are faced with a reality that calls into question the effectiveness of further arms supplies and financial assistance. Earlier, on July 3, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the leadership of the General Staff, where he was briefed on the capture of this strategically important city, which had long served as a fortified area. In the State Duma, it was emphasized that the liberation of Kostyantynivka will provide Russia with significant advantages in future negotiations, changing the geopolitical context ahead of the important international event.