Ukraine’s General Staff stated that Russian forces have not captured Pokrovsk, Vovchansk or Kupiansk, contradicting claims from the Kremlin. The military emphasized that propaganda videos with raised flags do not reflect the real situation on the ground.
Ukraine’s General Staff has denied Russian leadership’s statements about the alleged “capture” of Pokrovsk, Vovchansk and Kupiansk. In a statement officials said such claims are false and represent another attempt to use staged “flag-planting” footage for propaganda purposes during international negotiations.
In Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, Ukrainian Defence Forces continue to hold the northern part of the city along the railway line. Search-and-assault operations are ongoing, and the enemy is suffering significant losses: over the past day Ukrainian troops eliminated 104 Russian soldiers, and units have already destroyed the group that raised a Russian flag under cover of fog in one of the neighbourhoods. Additional logistical routes are being organised in the areas of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad to support Ukrainian positions.
In Vovchansk, Kharkiv region, the situation remains tense. Russian troops continue attempts to advance, using small infantry groups, strike UAVs and artillery, but Ukrainian defenders are firmly holding their positions. The General Staff stressed that Russian demonstrative actions involving flags end the same way for the occupiers — they are destroyed by Ukraine’s Defence Forces.