Ukraine denies Russian claim of capturing Dobropillia amid Oslo peace talks
Ukraine retains control of Dobropillia, a city in eastern Donetsk Oblast, despite Russian claims to have captured it, Presidential Office head Kyrylo Budanov said on October 20, as peace talks involving Ukraine and US representatives were taking place in Oslo.
Budanov accused Russian Colonel General Andrei Ivanayev, commander of Russia's Central Grouping of Forces, of falsely reporting the city's capture to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to Budanov, Ivanayev has been pressuring his subordinates to demonstrate control of Dobropillia after already claiming that Russian forces had taken it.
“No false statements will change reality,” Budanov said, insisting that Ukrainian troops continued to hold their positions.
He also called on all parties to act responsibly and provide accurate information during negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting peace.
The comments came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and representatives of US President Donald Trump in Oslo.
US envoy Steve Witkoff was expected to attend in person, while Jared Kushner was set to participate remotely, according to the Norwegian government.
The competing claims about control of Dobropillia could not be independently verified.
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