Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Wednesday that Russian forces had surrounded Ukrainian troops in two key eastern cities, offering them a chance to surrender. He made the statement while meeting wounded soldiers in Moscow, saying that Russia was prepared to open safe corridors for journalists to witness the situation firsthand. However, Ukrainian officials swiftly rejected his claims, calling them “false and exaggerated” and insisting that their forces were still holding their positions.
Putin said the cities of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region and Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region were encircled, describing them as major Ukrainian defense points. Russia has been using its advantage in manpower and weaponry to push deeper into Ukrainian territory, nearly four years after the war began. Yet, Ukraine’s military stated that reports of encirclement were “fabrications,” adding that Pokrovsk’s defense line remains intact despite heavy fighting and continuous Russian assaults.
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According to Ukrainian military sources, Russia has deployed nearly 11,000 troops around Pokrovsk in an attempt to cut off supply routes and trap Ukrainian forces. While some Russian units reportedly entered parts of the city, Ukraine’s 7th Rapid Reaction Corps said they are actively repelling attacks and maintaining control of key areas. Military analysts from independent think tanks also indicated that Russia’s progress has been limited and far from the complete encirclement claimed by Putin.
The Russian leader’s statement coincided with his efforts to convince Western nations, particularly the United States, that Ukraine cannot sustain its resistance. He argued that Russian military superiority would ultimately force Kyiv to negotiate. Despite Putin’s claims, Ukrainian officials have described the situation in Kupiansk as “difficult but stable,” confirming that no encirclement has occurred. Both sides continue to engage in close combat using artillery and drones to control urban zones.
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Meanwhile, the conflict continues to intensify beyond the front lines. Ukraine has launched long-range drone and missile strikes targeting Russian oil facilities and manufacturing plants, disrupting Moscow’s logistics. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that its air defenses intercepted 100 Ukrainian drones over five regions overnight, temporarily halting flights at multiple airports. In retaliation, Russian forces struck Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in at least six regions, injuring 13 civilians, including a child. As both nations exchange strikes, the war shows no sign of de-escalation.