Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on December 1, 2025, during a visit to a frontline command post, that Russian forces had fully captured the strategic cities of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast and Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast, hailing them as “important victories” that advance Moscow’s war objectives, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov briefed Putin on the “liberations,” including cleanup operations around Pokrovsk and nearby Myrnohrad where up to 2,000 Ukrainian troops are reportedly trapped, and advances in Zaporizhzhia toward Huliaipole. Russia’s Defense Ministry released video footage purportedly showing soldiers raising the Russian flag in Pokrovsk’s central square, a key logistics hub with 60,000 pre-war residents that has endured nearly two years of siege. Putin, dressed in military uniform, congratulated troops, stating the gains ensure “steady progress” toward war goals, including a security buffer in Kharkiv. However, Ukraine categorically denied the claims, with the General Staff reporting 43 Russian assaults repelled around Pokrovsk on December 1, and forces holding southern Vovchansk positions despite heavy destruction. Joint Forces Communications Chief Viktor Tregubov called Vovchansk “effectively non-existent” but not captured, while the 7th Rapid Response Corps’ Air Assault Forces stated Russian advances were “halted.” Kyiv labeled the announcements a “propaganda blitz” timed ahead of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s December 2 meeting with Putin in Moscow, following Florida talks with Zelenskyy and Macron on a revised peace plan. Pokrovsk, a vital rail and road junction, has been a focal point since Russia’s May 2024 offensive, with Ukraine rerouting supplies amid drone and artillery barrages; its fall would mark Moscow’s biggest gain since Avdiivka in February 2024. Vovchansk, near the Russian border, has seen fierce fighting since May 2024, with much of the city ruined. Analysts view the claims as psychological warfare to pressure Kyiv in negotiations, where Ukraine seeks Western aid to counter Russia’s numerical superiority. The announcements coincide with Russia’s Kursk incursion reversal and Ukraine’s efforts to demonstrate resilience for continued support.