Media reports on 'new Russian offensive': Center for Countering Disinformation responds
Photo: Russia has not stopped offensive operations (Getty Images)
Russian occupation forces are reportedly planning a new offensive on several fronts, aiming to deploy no fewer than 160,000 troops. However, in reality, the Russian forces have not ceased their offensive operations — this is merely the deployment of additional reserves, according to a CNN publication and a statement from Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
According to the outlet, which cites its own sources among Ukrainian officials, Russia is reportedly preparing for an intensified "summer offensive." To this end, it has allegedly amassed a force of 160,000 troops near the front line.
"In the past two weeks, Russia has also made small but vital advances, placing its forces in a better position to cut off Ukrainian troops in three key towns – Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka and Kupiansk – on the eastern front line," CNN reports.
The Center for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council responded to the CNN material. The Center’s head, Andriy Kovalenko, emphasized that Russia never halted its offensive along the front line. Therefore, this cannot be considered a "new offensive" in informational terms.
"Russia never stopped its assaults — enough with the media games about these 'new offensives.' What actually changed was the intensity. The Russian army was held back by the Defense Forces, and everything described as 'new' in the media is simply the redeployment of additional reserves into existing operations," he wrote.
Current situation on the front
There is currently no situation where the front line is collapsing. Despite difficult conditions in some areas, the Defense Forces are holding back the enemy. On July 16 alone, there were 160 combat engagements along the front.
According to Pavlo Shamshyn, spokesperson for the Kharkiv Operational-Tactical Group, Russian forces are attempting to set up pontoon crossings for armored vehicles across the Oskil River with the aim of assaulting or encircling Kupiansk. The situation around Pokrovsk also remains tense.
As of the morning of July 17, the approximate irreversible losses of the Russian occupation army since the beginning of the full-scale invasion have exceeded 1.038 million personnel.
