Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed to capture the key Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk on Monday.
Putin‘s announcement came after the chief of staff of the Russian army center reported to the president, claiming that the military had gained full control of Pokrovsk and nearby Vovchansk.
The Russian defense ministry has since posted videos of soldiers in the “center” of Pokrovsk raising the Russian tricolor flag.
Kyiv fervently denied Putin‘s allegations, asserting that Ukrainian forces have held their defense along the northern line of the city.
"This is just another attempt by the Kremlin to use the videotaped 'flag op' for propaganda purposes to influence participants in international negotiations,” Ukraine’s general staff wrote in a message on Telegram on Monday.
Russia claims key Ukrainian city
Russia has long sought to seize the Ukrainian city, which is seen as a key hub due to its position near major highways and railway lines.
Recent assessments have shown Russian troops increasingly encroaching on the city, where Russian troops reportedly outnumber Ukrainians 8 to 1.
However, Ukrainian troops have maintained pockets in the city, though areas of control have decreased noticeably.
Troops also claimed to capture Vovchansk, which was under Russian occupation until the fall of 2022, when Ukrainian troops freed it during a counteroffensive, the Kyiv Independent reported. However, after Russia’s renewed push in the region in the spring of 2024, fighting around the city increased.