Russian Claims of Huliaipole Entry Debunked by CCD

Russian Claims of Huliaipole Capture Debunked as Disinformation Campaign

Ukrainian defense officials have firmly denied reports that Russian forces entered the town of Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia region, calling such claims deliberate disinformation designed to sow fear and undermine public morale.

The Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine clarified the situation in a Facebook statement, explaining that while Russian forces did attempt to penetrate the town, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled the attack and eliminated the invading troops.

“The Defense Forces managed to stabilize the situation in this front sector,” the statement confirmed, adding that fighting continues in the area as Ukrainian forces maintain their defensive positions.

Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, provided additional context on the military response to the Russian offensive in the Huliaipole sector. He explained that Ukrainian command took swift and appropriate measures when the threat emerged, including the strategic deployment of reserve units to reinforce the defensive line.

“The Defense Forces of Ukraine, despite everything, continue to hold back the enemy and do everything so that we are not ashamed before our fallen comrades and our own dignity,” Voloshyn stated, emphasizing the determination of Ukrainian troops to defend their positions despite increasingly difficult conditions.

The Huliaipole and Orikhiv front sectors have become hotspots of Russian military activity in recent weeks. Located in Zaporizhzhia region, these areas hold strategic importance as part of the southeastern front, where Russian forces have been attempting to advance despite strong Ukrainian resistance.

Military analysts note that Huliaipole, a town with a pre-war population of approximately 13,000, sits at a critical juncture in the Ukrainian defense line. Its capture would represent a significant tactical achievement for Russian forces seeking to expand their territorial control in the region and potentially threaten Ukrainian supply lines.

The Center for Countering Disinformation emphasized that the spread of false information about Russian advances is part of a broader psychological warfare strategy. “Through these false narratives, Russia seeks to undermine trust in the Defense Forces and destabilize the internal resilience of Ukrainian society,” the Center warned.

This incident highlights Russia’s continued use of information warfare alongside conventional military operations. By prematurely claiming territorial gains, Russian propagandists attempt to create a perception of inevitable Russian success and Ukrainian defeat, potentially weakening civilian support for continued resistance.

The Ukrainian military has repeatedly faced similar disinformation challenges throughout the conflict, with Russian sources frequently announcing the capture of settlements before such claims can be verified. Ukrainian officials have developed robust systems to counter these narratives, providing regular operational updates and transparent information about the actual situation on the battlefield.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian air defense forces reported successfully shooting down a Russian Molniya drone over Kostiantynivka, an incident that underscores the ongoing threat to civilian areas from Russian aerial attacks.

As the conflict approaches its third year, the battle for control of strategic settlements like Huliaipole represents both a military and information confrontation. Ukrainian forces continue to defend against Russian advances while simultaneously fighting to maintain accurate public understanding of battlefield developments against a backdrop of increasingly sophisticated Russian disinformation efforts.