The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported the information.Putin claimed on October 29 that Russian forces have surrounded Ukrainian units in both Kupiansk and Pokrovsk, proposing a two-to-six-hour ceasefire to allow journalists into Pokrovsk. However, ISW analysts found no evidence supporting these encirclement claims. The proposal appears particularly cynical given Russia's repeated rejection of U.S. President Trump's calls for a comprehensive ceasefire."Putin is likely trying to use micro-ceasefire proposals to show that Russia is interested in a ceasefire, particularly as Russia has publicly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed ceasefire on the current frontline," ISW analysts stated in their assessment.The think tank believes Putin's offer serves multiple propaganda objectives: drawing attention to exaggerated Russian gains in Pokrovsk, shifting blame for failed negotiations onto Ukraine, and presenting Russia as a peace-seeking nation while portraying Ukraine as the obstacle to ending hostilities. The proposed ceasefire would essentially function as a staged media event designed to benefit Russian narratives rather than provide genuine humanitarian relief.ISW's analysis suggests this information campaign aims to manipulate international perception at a time when Russia continues rejecting substantive peace proposals. While Russian forces have made some advances in the Pokrovsk direction, they have not achieved the encirclement Putin claims, and Ukrainian defensive positions remain intact in southern areas of the city.The assessment comes as U.S. intelligence concluded that Putin remains more determined than ever to secure battlefield victories in Ukraine, showing no willingness to compromise despite mounting casualties and equipment losses over 18 months of fighting for Pokrovsk alone.