CNN: Kremlin hypes up Donbas victories to offset painful Ukrainian strikes
Photo: Russian soldiers (Getty Images)
Against the backdrop of recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets, Moscow has stepped up claims of battlefield gains in Donbas, although analysts are questioning those assertions, CNN reports.
According to the outlet, Russia continues offensive operations in the Donetsk region, with Kostiantynivka and Lyman remaining its primary objectives. Both cities are key elements of Ukraine’s "fortress belt" in Donbas.
Recently, the Russian state news agency TASS claimed that Russian forces had established control over the eastern part of Kostiantynivka and advanced to the city’s outskirts.
However, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stressed that parts of the territory around the city remain a "gray zone," where neither side has full control.
What is really happening near Kostiantynivka
According to Kateryna Stepanenko, head of ISW’s Russia team, the situation does not represent a full-scale advance but rather the infiltration of small Russian units.
"These are infiltrations, these are not advances. These are groups of maybe one to two guys, Russian servicemen, entering some positions in the city," she said.
Stepanenko explained that such groups may temporarily occupy isolated positions, but that does not mean they have secured or established control over the area.
Ukrainian military officials also acknowledge that the situation in this direction remains difficult. Kostiantyn Melnykov, press officer of Ukraine’s 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade, said Russia has increased the number of airstrikes near Kostiantynivka in recent weeks.
At the same time, he stressed that Ukrainian forces continue to hold back the offensive and inflict significant losses on Russian troops.
Why the Kremlin is making bold claims
According to ISW analysts, Moscow’s information campaign may be linked to attempts to showcase successes after a series of Ukrainian strikes on Russian military and logistics facilities in both Russia and the occupied territories.
Stepanenko said the Kremlin is trying to create the impression of victories on the battlefield even in areas where its objectives have not yet been achieved.
CNN also reported that discussions in Russia’s information space suggest there may be a goal of capturing the entire Donbas by September. However, ISW experts consider such a scenario unlikely.
"Most importantly, they want to declare informational victories. The Russians are experiencing quite a lot of vulnerabilities right now," she added.
Suspicions of AI-generated content
Analysts have also raised concerns about the materials being used to support claims of Russian military success.
In particular, Russia’s Defense Ministry published a video allegedly showing a Russian flag being raised in Lyman. ISW said it could not verify the footage and "has reason to believe the footage may be AI-altered."
In recent days, Russian authorities have intensified claims about the imminent capture of Kostiantynivka.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin stated that Russian troops were practically reaching the city, while the Russian Defense Ministry reported significant progress in the area.
However, Ukrainian military officials reject those assessments. According to Yuriy Madiar, deputy commander of Ukraine’s 19th Army Corps, Ukrainian units have conducted clearing operations in southern Kostiantynivka and continue to push Russian forces out of certain parts of the city.
