Russia claims 'victory' over non-existent Ukrainian brigade

In particular, Russia claimed it "repelled" a Ukrainian attack in the northwestern direction, referring to the Kupiansk area, aimed at breaking out of an encirclement.

"Eight fighters of the 16th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were destroyed. In addition, two attempts to unblock encircled units by the 151st Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the 15th National Guard Brigade in the settlements of Petrivka and Velyka Shapkivka in the Kharkiv region were stopped. Up to 20 fighters were destroyed," the Russian MoD said.

Russia reports new virtual "victories" on the front (Screenshot: Russian Ministry of Defense)

However, there is a nuance — Russia is again operating in a virtual reality, painting itself as "victories." The Operational Tactical Group Kharkiv reported that the 16th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces does not exist at all.

"This time, the Ministry of Defense announced on its official channel a victory in the Kupiansk direction, claiming a strike against the 16th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. But there is one nuance — such a brigade does not exist in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. So who the Russian Ministry of Defense 'defeated' in this virtual battle remains a mystery...," the military wrote.

Frontline situation

Earlier this week, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the situation in Kupiansk remains difficult. However, Ukrainian defenders maintain greater control.

Also today, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on the situation in the Pokrovsk direction. He said Ukrainian forces hold Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad and continue to liberate and clear territory in the Dobropillia direction.

He also confirmed that personnel from the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR) took part in the operation to liberate Pokrovsk.