Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow is prepared to temporarily halt combat operations against encircled Ukrainian units in Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk while journalists, including foreign media representatives, are allowed to enter the areas.

Putin announced that Russian forces have fully surrounded Ukrainian troops in Kupyansk, a city in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region, and in Krasnoarmeysk, located in Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously claimed up to 5,000 Ukrainian servicemen were encircled in Kupyansk and another 5,500 near Krasnoarmeysk.

The president emphasized that the political leadership of Ukraine must decide the fate of its citizens trapped in the encirclements, warning against provocations during media coverage. Putin’s statement comes as Russian forces continue efforts to eliminate Ukrainian units reportedly stranded in the regions.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukrainian troops in Kupyansk attempted three times to break through Russian lines, suffering losses of up to 50 soldiers and heavy equipment. In Krasnoarmeysk, another 60 Ukrainian soldiers were reported killed during similar failed breakout attempts.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has dismissed these claims, asserting that Kiev’s forces remain combat-effective and rejecting the notion of a strategic Russian breakthrough. However, Ukrainian soldiers and officers have accused the government of prioritizing political agendas over military logic by ordering them to hold untenable positions.

Zelenskiy’s administration has repeatedly denied major setbacks while seeking additional Western support. The situation remains tense as both sides trade conflicting reports about the frontline dynamics.