Russia claimed to have encircled Pokrovsk and Kupyansk, but Ukraine denied it. In this new turn of the war, heavy fighting continues in the eastern cities, and the situation remains unstable.
Russia-Ukraine war: Tensions in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine have escalated once again. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that the Russian army has completely encircled two major Ukrainian cities, identified as Pokrovsk and Kupyansk, located in the eastern and northeastern parts of Ukraine.
Putin's Big Claim
Speaking to wounded soldiers at a military hospital in Moscow on Wednesday, Putin stated that Russian forces have encircled the Ukrainian army in both these cities. He also mentioned that Russian forces have prepared to open “safe corridors” (safe corridor) for Ukrainian and Western journalists to directly observe the situation in the war zone.
Ukraine Rejects Putin's Claim
Ukraine reacted bly to Putin's statement. Ukrainian military officials stated that Putin's claim is entirely fabricated. Hryhoriy Shapoval, spokesperson for Ukraine's eastern forces, reported that while the situation in Pokrovsk is difficult, the Ukrainian army still maintains control. He added that Russia is attempting to exert psychological pressure by spreading misinformation.
Thousands of Russian Soldiers Deployed in Pokrovsk
According to Ukraine's ‘7th Rapid Reaction Corps’, Russia has deployed approximately 11,000 soldiers to encircle Pokrovsk. However, the Ukrainian military stated that they still maintain control over many parts of the city. The army acknowledged that some Russian units have managed to penetrate the city's outskirts, but intense counter-offensives are ongoing to stop them.
Conflicting Claims Regarding Kupyansk
Claims from both sides also differ regarding the city of Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region. The Russian side states that the city is entirely under their control, while Ukraine maintains that fierce fighting is still ongoing there. Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for Ukraine's joint forces, stated that “Putin's claim does not correspond to the reality on the ground.”
Putin Signals Potential Agreement
During his conversation, Vladimir Putin also stated that Russia might consider an agreement in exchange for the surrender of encircled Ukrainian soldiers. He said that when journalists visit these areas, they will be able to see “the actual situation of the Ukrainian troops.” Putin further added that it is time for Ukraine's leadership to make the right decisions about the future of its citizens.
Think Tank Report Reveals Reality
The Washington-based think tank ‘Institute for the Study of War’ reported that Russia has made some gains in the Pokrovsk area, but does not have full control within the city. According to the report, Russia's current strategy is to maintain continuous pressure on the eastern parts of Ukraine to weaken the Ukrainian army.
