Putin again briefed on the “capture” of Ukrainian cities. Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation explained why Russia is making such claims
The Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) said that Russian reports alleging the capture of Ukrainian cities are propaganda and are aimed at putting pressure on the West and on the negotiation process.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
December 2, 2025 · 1 min read
Russia again claimed the "capture" of Ukrainian cities
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin for the second time in recent days heard reports from his military about the alleged occupation of Ukrainian cities. However, these claims do not correspond to reality, said Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the NSDC.
According to him, Russian forces are accompanying increased activity on the front with loud propaganda statements aimed primarily at a foreign audience.
"The Russians will, over the coming weeks, make many attempts to exert pressure on the front and will accompany this with loud statements — all of this is done exclusively for a Western audience and to raise the stakes in diplomacy,"
— Kovalenko said.
Situation in Vovchansk and Kupiansk
Kovalenko emphasized that as of the evening of December 1, part of Vovchansk remains under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. At the same time, the Russians spread false claims about the alleged capture not only of Vovchansk but also of Kupiansk.
"Heavy fighting on the front continues, the enemy is committing many forces," — added the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.
Russian propaganda continues to pass off wishful thinking as reality
Earlier, Russian propaganda outlets reported that Putin visited one of the command posts of the occupation forces, where he was allegedly briefed on the taking of Pokrovsk and Vovchansk.
Analysts of the Ukrainian project Deepstate do not record full control by Russian forces over Pokrovsk, Vovchansk, or Kupiansk.
