Ukrainian forces denies Putin's claim of Kupiansk encirclement: 'Fiction and fantasy'

Ukrainian defenders reported that heavy fighting is ongoing in Kupiansk and its surroundings, as the occupiers attempt to gain a foothold in the northern part of the city.

"However, any statements about the encirclement of Ukrainian forces there are fiction and fantasy that have no factual basis on the ground," the statement reads.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces fighters also mocked the Russian president, noting that even “his loyal audience and Russian elites” would not believe his lies.

"If Russian leader Vladimir Putin were not a war criminal, one could almost pity him — at his old age, he is once again forced to make a fool of himself and repeat his generals’ lies," the Ukrainian military wrote.

Russian claims of encircling Ukrainian troops

It should be recalled that today, October 29, the Russian leader made an absurd statement about the alleged encirclement of Kupiansk. He expressed a desire to invite foreign journalists to the city so that they could “see everything with their own eyes.”

Earlier, on October 26, during a meeting with military officials, Putin was assured that Ukrainian troops had allegedly been encircled by Russian forces in several directions — reportedly in the Pokrovsk and Kupiansk areas.

On the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refuted this information. Yesterday, October 28, the Ukrainian Armed Forces also denied the Russian invaders’ claims of encircling Kupiansk.

It is noted that Ukrainian defenders reported the situation in the Pokrovsk agglomeration remains difficult. Russian forces are trying to surround the city, conducting assault operations, and using drones and guided aerial bombs (KABs) in an effort to disrupt the Defense Forces’ logistics.