Kyiv calls out Kremlin's fake news on Ukrainian key frontline city takeover
Photo: Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov and Russian leader Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Statements by the Russian General Staff about the alleged capture of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi, Kharkiv region, do not correspond to reality. The city remains under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, according to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council (RNBO).
Fake victories for Putin
Kovalenko stated that Russian General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov continues to create a parallel reality for Vladimir Putin. The information spread by the occupiers about control over Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi is complete falsehood.
According to Kovalenko, the real situation on the front is as follows:
- Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi remains fully under Ukrainian control.
- In Kupiansk, Ukrainian forces are completing the clearing of remnants of Russian units.
- There is no blockade of 800 Ukrainian soldiers, as claimed by Gerasimov.
Goal of Russian disinformation
The RNBO emphasizes that the main purpose of these fakes is the domestic Russian audience. The Kremlin needs to demonstrate breakthroughs on the front to its own population amid the absence of real successes.
In addition, the Russian army plans to spread this falsehood to the West through bot networks, counting on the fact that foreign audiences will not closely examine the geography or the real situation in the Kharkiv region.
Russian side's comment
Earlier, Gerasimov reported the alleged control over 17 settlements since the beginning of January 2026.
In particular, he claimed the capture of over 50 sq. km of territory, advances in Zaporizhzhia, and fighting near Dobropillia.
The Ukrainian side urges trusting only official updates from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and not spreading enemy propaganda.
Earlier, Kovalenko officially debunked social media fakes about the threat of a Russian landing in Odesa and the surrounding region.
According to the RNBO, the enemy currently has no military capabilities to conduct ground operations or amphibious landings.
The situation in the Odesa region remains fully under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, and there is no ground threat to the region.
