Russian claims of Ukraine territory advance 'an illusion'

Ukraine has strongly denied Russia's claims of capturing over 1,800 square kilometers of territory and nearly 100 settlements since September 1. Valery Gerasimov, Russia's Chief of General Staff, reportedly told President Vladimir Putin that Russian forces have gained significant ground, capturing 92 Ukrainian settlements. However, Ukraine's General Staff spokesman Andriy Kovaliov dismissed these claims as false and emphasized that Ukrainian forces have liberated more territory in recent months than Russia has captured.

The Russian military leadership apparently continues to create an illusion of major victories for political and domestic audiences. Recent Russian advances along the front line have slowed, with forces concentrating on the industrialized Donetsk region. Kovaliov also refuted Russia's claims of reaching the outskirts of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, stating that Dobropillia remains under Ukrainian control despite sustained Russian attacks.

Both sides have intensified their air campaigns, with Russia firing hundreds of ballistic missiles and Ukraine launching drone attacks on critical Russian infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia might deploy ballistic missile systems in Belarus, threatening the safety of Ukraine's western regions.