Putin claims Sviatohirsk captured, but Italian journalists find Ukrainian forces in control

President Vladimir Putin declared that Russian forces had captured the town of Sviatohirsk in the Donetsk region. Italian journalists traveled to the location to verify the claim and found no Russian presence, observing Ukrainian army vehicles patrolling the central road. The town remains hazardous due to ongoing attacks but is accessible from Ukrainian-controlled territory, with the combat line roughly 30 km to the east.

Reports indicate Russian troops are pulling back in response to a Ukrainian counter-offensive, widening the distance between claimed and actual control. Analysts suggest Russian commanders may exaggerate gains, allowing false reports to reach senior officials. Such discrepancies could influence future peace negotiations and public perception of the war’s progress.