Why Russia spreads fake news about capture of Toretsk, Donetsk region: Expert opinion

"Russians can always make a lot of claims. And very often, when there is civilian information or from DeepState, the occupation of a city is considered within its administrative boundaries. However, the military views a settlement and its defense as a line or a complex of defensive structures, facilities, networks, and strongpoints," Tymochko explained.

According to him, when the military says that fighting for the city is ongoing or that the enemy does not control the settlement, it means that the military has not completely lost its defense systems or ability to counter the enemy.

The head of the Council of Reservists of the Ground Forces noted that in this case, both the military and even civilians deny that the enemy had taken the city, and fighting continues within the streets.

"We understand that the refutations come from all competent sides. Of course, the Russians will continue to spread such claims. Most likely, someone has already reported this up the chain. They also have internal competition among commanders, and secondly, we understand that an offensive on such a city involves several brigades. Perhaps one of the commanders rushed to report the capture to outpace their rivals and be the first to claim the laurels and awards," the expert emphasized.

He also pointed out that this situation is not new, as similar incidents happened before with Mariinka.

"We remember how Shoigu once reported the occupation of Mariinka, and yet fighting in the settlement continued for almost a month afterward. This is the same situation. I think it’s also tied to a certain information campaign aimed at sparking discussion within Ukrainian society," Tymochko concluded.

Earlier today, the Armed Forces of Ukraine refuted the Russian fake about the capture of Toretsk.

The General Staff provided a detailed update on the situation along the front line.