Russian media outlets have spread information about an alleged attempt by the Ukrainian military to launch an offensive on the border with Belgorod Oblast.
They claim that on the night of 18 March, the Ukrainian Armed Forces allegedly pulled equipment and personnel to the border area on the border of Belgorod and Kursk regions, and armoured groups tried to break through to the Krasnoyaruzsk district.
The head of the National Security and Defence Council’s Disinformation Counteraction Centre, Andriy Kovalenko, denied these claims, saying that they were another fake: ‘They came up with it themselves, they won it themselves, as often happens with Russians.’
According to him, the fighting in the border areas is ongoing due to the activity of Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups.
Kovalenko stressed that it is beneficial for Russia to dispel such statements before possible talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
‘Their main information strategy is to accuse Ukraine of unwillingness to end the war, although in fact they are the ones attacking on the frontline. And it is Putin who is delaying Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire,’ Kovalenko said.