Ukraine Rejects Russia's Claimed Territorial Gains as an 'Illusion'

Ukraine on Saturday rejected Russia's claim that its forces had captured more than 1,800 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory and nearly 100 settlements since the start of September, including the Donetsk-region town of Dobropillia. The dispute matters because it shows how both sides portray the situation on a front where Russian advances have slowed this year.

On Friday, Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russia's General Staff, told President Vladimir Putin that Russian troops had taken 92 Ukrainian settlements and made significant territorial gains since last month.

Andriy Kovaliov, a spokesman for Ukraine's General Staff, dismissed the claims in an emailed statement. He said Ukrainian Defense Forces had, through active operations, liberated more territory since the start of autumn than the enemy had managed to capture. Kovaliov added that Russia's military leadership was creating an illusion of major victories for its political leadership and domestic audience.

The struggle for Sloviansk and Kramatorsk

Russia's progress along the front line has slowed this year. Even so, its forces continue to press toward the so-called "fortress belt" cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Capturing them would bring Russia closer to its goal of seizing the entire Donetsk region.

Kovaliov also rejected Gerasimov's assertions that Russian troops had reached the outskirts of Kramatorsk and were advancing in the suburbs of Sloviansk. He said Dobropillia, southwest of the two cities, remained under Ukrainian control despite sustained Russian attacks.

Reuters said it could not independently verify the battlefield claims.

Air campaigns intensify

With many front lines largely static, both sides have stepped up their air campaigns in recent months. Russia fired hundreds of ballistic missiles over the summer and early autumn, and it is widely expected to target critical infrastructure, including heating and power facilities, into the winter. Ukraine, whose missile arsenal is far smaller, has launched hundreds of long-range drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, ships and commercial sites.