Russian leader Vladimir Putin has allegedly visited one of the command posts of the Russian army's Zapad (West) grouping, where he was briefed on the situation in Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast and around Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast. Ukraine's General Staff has denied these claims.

Source: Russian media outlet RIA Novosti citing the Kremlin's press service; General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Details: The Kremlin leader claimed that fighting is ongoing in Kostiantynivka, while Valeriy Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian General Staff, reported the alleged "liberation" of Kupiansk.

According to the latest information from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, fighting continues on the Kupiansk front, including in the area of the city of Kupiansk.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Ground Forces previously stated that Russian troops are attempting to enter Kostiantynivka, conducting both infantry assaults and attempting to move in with armoured vehicles.

Defence forces, including soldiers of the 93rd Brigade Kholodnyi Yar, are holding their positions and preventing Russian troops from advancing close to the city.

Ukraine's General Staff later responded to the Russian leadership's claims.

Quote: "The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports that Kupiansk remains under the control of the Defence Forces of Ukraine. Counter-sabotage measures and special operations aimed at detecting and eliminating enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups that have infiltrated the city are ongoing in the city and its suburbs.

A similar situation is observed in Yampil. Search-and-strike operations by our troops continue in the area of the settlement.

The statement regarding the alleged capture of 80% of Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast and 70% of Pokrovsk is also false."

More details: The General Staff adds that search-and-strike operations and the elimination of Russian troops in urban areas are ongoing in the city of Pokrovsk.

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