The Russian Ministry of Defense has publicly rejected reports circulating in some Telegram channels about defensive breakthroughs by the Ukrainian Armed Forces across multiple sectors of the contact line. A formal statement was released to counter what it described as misinformation spreading through private messaging networks.
The ministry stated that the reports of defensive breakthroughs in various segments of the contact line do not reflect the actual situation on the ground. The message emphasized that these claims are inconsistent with verified military activity and the current operational picture as assessed by Russian defense authorities.
According to the Defense Ministry, there are no active offensive operations in the Kupyansk, Zaporozhye, or Kherson directions at this time. This assertion is positioned as part of a broader update to keep the public informed about ongoing military dynamics and to dispel rumors that could affect regional awareness or international understanding of the events unfolding in the area.
The ministry noted that assault detachments, with support from aviation and artillery, have been engaged in operations aimed at securing the western portion of Artemovsk, known in Ukrainian as Bakhmut. Reports also indicate that units from the Southern Group of Forces are conducting actions to block Avdiivka and to seize Maryinka. These activities are presented as part of a coordinated effort to influence strategic positions within the broader operational theater.
Additionally, the ministry reported that a battle is underway in the Maloilinovka direction where a unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is attempting an attack. The conflict involves army units, attack aircraft, and artillery support, underscoring the intensity of the engagements in this sector and the layered nature of modern battlefield operations.
The Defense Ministry added that the overall situation in the special operations zone remains under control, with command structures monitoring developments and adjusting measures as necessary to maintain situational awareness and readiness across the theater. The public communication reiterates that Russian authorities continue to assess evolving conditions and to report their findings through official channels.
In related situational updates, a reconnaissance correspondent, Yevgeny Poddubny, reported that near Kharkov there is movement of Ukrainian forces toward the Belgorod border and in the Kupyansk direction. Such movements are described as part of routine operational activity and are monitored as part of ongoing assessments of force posture and potential threats to adjacent regions. The report underscores how information from field observers is integrated into the broader narrative of the conflict, balancing on-the-ground observations with official statements.
Overall, the ministry’s communications aim to provide a clear, official account of verified events while cautioning against unverified claims circulating online. The emphasis remains on ensuring that publicly available information aligns with the evolving tactical picture and that uncertainties are addressed through formal disclosures and continuous monitoring of the situation as it develops.