Ukraine says Russia filmed staged Kupiansk scenes despite failing to secure the city
Illustrative photo: Russian forces stage footage to claim control of Kupiansk (Getty Images)
Russian forces launched a propaganda campaign near Kupiansk, aiming to create the appearance that they control the city, reports the Joint Forces Task Force.
According to Ukrainian defenders, Russian units received orders to film staged videos. Small infantry groups were told to wave Russian flags in areas where only a few troops were present.
Flags were even added to supply packages dropped by drones to Russian units in the city. At least one such operation has already taken place. Ukrainian forces expect Russian propaganda outlets to publish edited clips with cut fragments soon.
"On behalf of Ukraine's defenders, we state the following: the occupation of a city is not something you can imitate. Despite claims by Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Russia's General Staff about the 'encirclement' of the city and Ukrainian troops inside it, most of Kupiansk remains under the control of Ukraine's Defense Forces. Russian groups in the northern districts are cut off from ground supply routes," the statement said.
Russian groups in the northern part of the city remain isolated from ground logistics.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces stressed that these staged actions are an attempt by Russian forces to mask clear failures and to "pretend everything is fine." They added that such behavior helps Ukrainian drones locate scattered Russian infantry groups.
"To the Russian servicemen who received this order, we advise you to stay alive. You can do that by switching your flag to a white one," the Ukrainian Armed Forces said.
Fighting for Kupiansk
Ukrainian forces previously reported a significant decline in Russia's presence in Kupiansk, with fewer than 50 Russian troops remaining. Disrupted logistics have left them isolated from each other and from Russia's main units.
Ukrainian forces continue to prevent Russia from holding positions in the northern part of the city. Russian troops tried to fortify the area, but Ukrainian units have carried out active counterattacks in recent days and pushed Russian forces out of several locations.
Viktor Trehubov, Head of the Communications Department of the Joint Forces Task Force, said Russian forces are steadily losing control of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region. He added that logistical challenges are making conditions difficult for both sides in the city.
