Russia's boastful claims of capturing Pokrovsk, Vovchansk and Kupyansk do not match reality – General Staff
Ukrainian Defense Forces units continue defensive operations on challenging frontline sections, including in Pokrovsk, Vovchansk, and Kupyansk — areas Russia has claimed to have captured, Ukraine’s General Staff reported.
"Boastful statements from the aggressor state’s leadership about 'capturing'... do not correspond to reality. This is just another Kremlin attempt to use a video-recorded 'little flag' for propaganda purposes to influence international negotiations," the military said.
Frontline situation
According to the General Staff, in Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, Defense Forces are holding the northern part of the city along the railway line. Search-and-assault operations are currently underway to eliminate pockets of Russian troops.
Over the past day on the Pokrovsk axis, Ukrainian troops eliminated a total of 104 enemy troops. Units have already cleared a group that, under cover of fog, raised a Russian tricolor in one of the city's districts.
Defense Forces are organizing additional logistics routes in the Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad areas to supply everything necessary to Ukrainian positions.
Meanwhile, the situation remains tense in Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast. Russian troops are not abandoning attempts to advance in this settlement, using small infantry groups, strike drones and artillery.
"However, Ukrainian defenders are steadfastly holding their positions. Russian demonstration missions with tricolors mean only one thing for the occupiers — they will be destroyed by Ukraine's Defense Forces," the General Staff said.
Background
Today, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are set to meet with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
Ahead of this, Vladimir Putin held a briefing at one of the Russian troops' command posts, where he appeared in military uniform and claimed "successes" for Russia's army. In particular, Russia stated that it had fully captured Pokrovsk.
In addition to Pokrovsk, Russia claims to have captured the city of Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast, the "taking of the southern part" of Myrnohrad under Russian troop control, and more.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces have nearly completed the cleanup of Kupyansk.
According to Zelenskyy, Russians have begun new disinformation campaigns in light of preparations for the Russian delegation's meetings with the U.S. side.
"I have instructed to continue our maximally constructive work with President Trump's team, as well as with European partners. Ukrainian intelligence will pass to partners the information we have on Russia's true intentions and its attempts to use diplomatic work as cover for weakening sanctions and blocking important collective European decisions," the president wrote.