The General Staff added that this information is being spread by Russia for “political purposes and to pressure Ukraine and its partners.” They also noted that the situation on the front line had not significantly changed in the past 24 hours.

Amid Russia’s rapid advance in its western Kursk region, Ukrainian troops have fully withdrawn from Sudzha — the only city they held there. Analysts say Ukraine is conducting an organized retreat and Russian forces are reclaiming territory with little to no resistance.