Putin claims capture of Sviatohirsk as Ukrainian commander disputes on video
Vladimir Putin announced his forces had taken Sviatohirsk, but Ukrainian commander Andriy Biletsky posted footage showing the town still under Ukrainian control.
Vladimir Putin announced that Russian troops had captured the Ukrainian town of Sviatohirsk, a claim quickly challenged by Ukrainian forces. Commander Andriy Biletsky released a video from the town's center that suggested it remained under Ukrainian control, urging Russian military and political leaders to stop making false statements. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova repeatedly asserted that Kyiv's ability to resist special military operations is diminishing and described Ukrainian drone attacks as acts of aerial terrorism.
An Atlantic Council analysis highlights previous instances where Putin's victory claims were contradicted, such as the disputed capture of Kupiansk in 2025. The piece argues that Putin's optimistic military assessments aim to persuade Western leaders that continued support for Ukraine is unnecessary, even as Russia controls less than 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Why it matters
The dispute reveals ongoing information warfare and challenges the credibility of Russian claims in the Ukraine conflict.
How this story developed
- Aug 14 Russia claims strikes on Ukrainian rail hub and vessels as drones hit Russian ports
- Sep 9 Trump said Putin signaled willingness to reach a Ukraine peace deal.
- Sep 10 Zelenskyy met Norwegian leaders in Oslo to discuss further military aid after the drone near‑miss.
- Sep 10 Zelensky called for European and U.S. leaders to take a stronger negotiating role and said Ukraine is ready to make concessions.
- Sep 10 Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is hopeful U.S.-backed Ukraine peace talks will restart soon.
- Sep 11 Russia has deployed the new “Web” shield to safeguard energy infrastructure.
- Sep 11 Putin warned Russian strikes on British bases would be kept secret after Britain agreed to share missile schematics with Ukraine.
- Sep 12 Trump publicly singled out the Putin‑Zelensky personal clash as the chief barrier to a settlement.
- Sep 12 Zelensky said missile assistance will be a key agenda item for the September meeting.
- Sep 12 A Russian drone struck a multi-storey residential building in Odesa on Sept 12, wounding at least twelve people who were taken to hospital.
- Sep 12 A separate drone attack in Zaporizhzhia killed two people.
- Sep 12 Kremlin invites Zelensky to Moscow for a possible meeting with Putin.
- Sep 12 Kyrylo Budanov said Kyiv is preparing to resume three-sided negotiations with Russia and the United States in October.
- Sep 13 Elbridge Colby warned Kyiv to brace for a prolonged conflict and highlighted expected Russian winter attacks on energy and heating infrastructure.
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