Russian statements and media reports have appeared claiming the capture of the cities of Kupiansk and Yampil, as well as alleged control over most of Vovchansk and Pokrovsk. These reports were quickly and unequivocally denied by the Ukrainian General Staff.
Analysis at a glance
- In a statement by the Russian Ministry of Defence and a report by the Chief of the Russian General Staff, it was announced that units of the Russian Federation had “liberated Kupiansk” and “completely captured Yampil.”
- The Russians also claim that they have taken control of more than 80% of Vovchansk and 70% of Pokrovsk.
- The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Kupiansk and Yampil remain under the control of the Defence Forces of Ukraine, and that counter-sabotage as well as search-and-strike operations are ongoing in both localities.
- According to the Ukrainian side, the Russian announcements are part of disinformation efforts aimed at concealing the heavy losses suffered by Russian forces.
Russian claims
A statement was published on the official Kremlin website asserting that:
Original (Russian):
“Штурмовые подразделения группировки успешно продвигаются в юго-восточной части Волчанска. Освобождено на сегодняшний день более 80 процентов территории города. Соединения группировки «Запад» освободили город Купянск и продолжают уничтожение формирований вооружённых сил Украины, окружённых на левом берегу реки Оскол.”
Source: http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/78515
English translation:
“Assault units of the grouping are successfully advancing in the south-eastern part of Vovchansk. To date, more than 80 percent of the city’s territory has been liberated. Units of the ‘West’ grouping have liberated the city of Kupiansk and continue to destroy formations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine encircled on the left bank of the Oskil River.”
Ukrainian response
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine issued a statement unequivocally denying the Russian claims. As emphasized:
Original (English):
“The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports that Kupiansk remains under the control of the Defence Forces of Ukraine. Counter-sabotage measures and special operations aimed at detecting and eliminating enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups that have infiltrated the city are ongoing in the city and its suburbs.”
Source: https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/31612
Polish translation (for reference):
“Sztab Generalny Sił Zbrojnych Ukrainy informuje, że Kupiańsk pozostaje pod kontrolą Sił Obrony Ukrainy. W mieście i na jego przedmieściach trwają działania kontrdywersyjne i operacje specjalne mające na celu wykrycie i eliminację wrogich grup dywersyjno-rozpoznawczych, które przeniknęły do miasta.”
The Ukrainian military also clarified the situation in other localities:
Original (English):
“A similar situation is observed in Yampil. Search-and-strike operations by our troops continue in the area of the settlement. The statement regarding the alleged capture of 80% of Vovchansk in Kharkiv region and 70% of Pokrovsk is also false. Search-and-assault operations and the elimination of enemy forces in the urban area of Pokrovsk are ongoing.”
Source: https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/31612
Polish translation (for reference):
“Podobna sytuacja obserwowana jest w Jampolu. W rejonie miejscowości trwają działania poszukiwawczo-uderzeniowe naszych wojsk. Fałszywe jest również stwierdzenie o rzekomym zajęciu 80% Wołczańska w obwodzie charkowskim oraz 70% Pokrowska. W Pokrowsku trwają operacje poszukiwawczo-szturmowe i likwidacja sił wroga na obszarze miejskim.”
The statement also noted that the Russian reports are intended to “conceal the critical losses of the Russian army, which is being driven into constant ‘meat-grinder’ assaults.”
(Original English: “This disinformation by the russian General Staff is aimed solely at concealing the critical losses of the russian army, which is being driven into constant ‘meat-grinder’ assaults.”)
Source: https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/31612
A recurring Russian narrative
The Ukrainian General Staff recalled that similar reports of Russian “victories” had already appeared a month earlier, when Russian media “took” propagandists to Kupiansk and Pokrovsk, despite the fact that these cities remain in the combat zone and are not under Russian control.
Source: https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/31612
Declarations of capturing further territories that are inconsistent with the situation confirmed by the Ukrainian side fit into a recurring pattern of Kremlin propaganda messaging—namely, the rapid announcement of military successes in order to mobilize public opinion and obscure losses.
Why are such false reports dangerous?
Such statements create a narrative of an inevitable Russian victory, affect the morale of both sides, may serve as justification for further mobilization, and increase informational chaos surrounding the frontline situation.
Under conditions of intense hostilities, any unverified information can be quickly picked up and replicated on social media, making it easier for propaganda to spread disinformation.
Summary
Reports concerning the situation in the areas of Kupiansk, Yampil, Vovchansk, and Pokrovsk contain conflicting information. Russian claims of the alleged capture of these localities have not been confirmed by the Ukrainian side, which maintains that these areas remain under its control and that defensive and counter-sabotage operations are being conducted on the ground.
In the realities of an ongoing conflict, both sides have an interest in presenting events in a way that strengthens their own narrative. For this reason, official statements may not reflect the full picture of the situation and should be approached with caution, with information verified across multiple sources.