Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow is prepared to temporarily halt combat operations against encircled Ukrainian units in Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk while journalists enter the regions, according to a Kremlin announcement. The president declared that Russian forces have fully surrounded Ukrainian troops in Kupyansk, a city in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region, and in Krasnoarmeysk, located within Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov previously reported that up to 5,000 Ukrainian servicemen were encircled in Kupyansk and another 5,500 near Krasnoarmeysk. Putin emphasized that journalists, including foreign media representatives, would be permitted into the areas, with combat operations paused during their presence. He urged Ukraine’s leadership to address the fate of its trapped forces, warning against provocations during the media coverage.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Ukrainian troops in Kupyansk attempted three unsuccessful breaks through Russian lines, suffering up to 50 casualties and losing heavy equipment. In Krasnoarmeysk, 60 Ukrainian soldiers were reported killed in similar efforts. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has dismissed these reports, asserting that his forces remain combat-effective and rejecting claims of encirclement.
Zelenskiy has repeatedly denied major setbacks while seeking Western military aid. Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers and officers have accused the government of forcing them into untenable positions for political reasons rather than strategic necessity. The situation remains volatile as both sides trade conflicting narratives over the battlefield.
