Ukraine refuted Russia’s claims of capturing Vovchansk and Kupiansk
Ukrainian authorities rejected statements by Russian occupiers about capturing the cities of Vovchansk and Kupiansk. According to the Ukrainian side, the settlements remain under the control of the Defense Forces.
Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, reported that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin heard reports from his military regarding the “occupation” of several cities in Ukraine, including Vovchansk and Kupiansk. However, he calls these statements part of a strategy to pressure Ukraine’s western partners.
“In the coming weeks, Russians will try to exert pressure on the front and will accompany it with loud statements, which is done solely for a western audience and increasing stakes in diplomacy,” noted Kovalenko.
As of the evening of December 1, part of Vovchansk, according to Kovalenko, remains under the control of Ukrainian forces, as does the city of Kupiansk. Meanwhile, heavy fighting continues on the front lines, with Russian forces actively attacking logistical routes in the Pokrovsk region.
The Ukrainian analytical project Deepstate confirms that Russian forces do not have full control over the aforementioned cities. According to official data, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian defenders have practically “cleared” Kupiansk of occupiers.
Earlier, Russian media circulated information about Putin’s visit to the command post of the Joint Group of RF Armed Forces, where he was informed about the possible “occupation” of Pokrovsk and Vovchansk. However, Ukrainian sources clearly state that this is not true.
