Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russian forces have taken control of the eastern Ukrainian cities of Pokrovsk and Vovchansk, where intense fighting has persisted for weeks. The announcement came the night before US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff was set to meet Putin in Moscow to discuss a potential peace deal.

However, Ukraine’s military has denied the claims, stating that Russian forces have not fully captured either city. Ukrainian troops on the ground told ABC News that the reports are false, noting that Russian forces have repeatedly issued premature claims of city captures throughout the conflict.

Pokrovsk: A Key Defensive Strongpoint

Ukrainian forces say they continue to hold back Russian advances in Pokrovsk, an important defensive city in Donetsk. The 7th Rapid Response Corps of Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces confirmed via Facebook that although Russian forces have devastated parts of the city, Ukrainian troops still control significant areas.

Military analysts and independent observers also confirm that Pokrovsk remains contested, despite repeated Russian videos showing soldiers unfurling Russian flags in the city.

Vovchansk: Contested in Kharkiv

Vovchansk, near the Russia-Ukraine border in Kharkiv, has also been the site of prolonged fighting. Ukrainian forces continue to hold positions in the southern part of the city. Viktor Tregubov, Head of Communications for the Ukrainian Joint Forces, told ABC News that Vovchansk has not been taken, although large portions of the city lie in ruins.

Putin’s claims are seen by analysts as an effort to strengthen Russia’s bargaining position ahead of peace talks, signaling that Moscow is advancing on the frontlines and may not need to compromise.

Previous Russian Claims

Russia has repeatedly claimed to have captured other contested cities, such as Kupiansk, but Ukraine reports that it is close to retaking the city. Observers note that these announcements often serve psychological and diplomatic purposes, rather than reflecting the actual battlefield situation.