Ukraine refutes Russian takeover of Huliaipole, Stepnohirsk ahead of Zelenskyy-Trump talks
Photo: Ukrainian forces commented on Russia's claims of capturing Huliaipole and Stepnohirsk (facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua)
Russians have fabricated claims of capturing Huliaipole and Stepnohirsk, repeating the falsehoods they spread earlier about Kupiansk. This comes ahead of today's meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and the US, reports the Operational Command South of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
"Putin's statements and Gerasimov's reports regarding Huliaipole and Stepnohirsk mirror the situation with Kupiansk, which they claimed to have 'captured' multiple times," the Ukrainian defenders said.
They emphasized that the rush of these attacks is linked to the scheduled meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump on December 28.
"The situation in Huliaipole is indeed difficult. Part of the town is under Russian control. They are actively conducting assault operations and trying to establish forward positions," the Ukrainian Armed Forces said.
The statement noted that Russian forces have a significant advantage in manpower and weaponry. They are actively using drones and artillery, conducting airstrikes with guided bombs, and attempting to push Ukrainian defenders out of the city.
"The enemy has already lost more than 300 personnel and around 60 units of equipment and weapons in Huliaipole today. The situation remains very difficult. However, the Russians do not currently have full control over the city," the statement said.
Ukrainian troops added that defensive operations continue in Stepnohirsk.
"The occupiers are attempting to infiltrate via the main road leading into the settlement. Fierce fighting is ongoing there as well. However, part of the settlement remains under Ukrainian control," they said.
Russia's false claims
Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Operational Command South, stated that Russia's claim of capturing Huliaipole is not true. He added that the enemy is reinforcing its forces, including units from Verbove, in an effort to seize the city, which they consider strategically important.
Additionally, Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation, said Russia does not control Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region and stressed that Gerasimov's claims are yet another falsehood.
According to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia has prioritized the Huliaipole direction, concentrating forces from at least three armies and one division in the area.
A video circulating online shows Russian soldiers claiming to have seized a territorial defense command post near Huliaipole. The Defense Forces said they will investigate the matter.
