Putin announced the conquest of Pokrovsk and Vovchansk

Russian President Vladimir Putin listened to reports about the alleged capture of two Ukrainian cities - Pokrovsk in Donetsk region and Vovchansk in Kharkiv region - during a visit to the military headquarters on Sunday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reported this, citing Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov. The latter, according to Peskov, also announced further advances by Russian troops in offensive operations.

Russian state media refer to these towns as "liberated," calling Pokrovsk Krasnoarmeysk.

Kiev has not yet confirmed the information about the loss of these territories.

The reports of "liberation" can thus be seen for the time being as part of Moscow's information campaign to demonstrate its military advance despite a stagnant front. Ukrainian officials have been restrained in their reactions.

(Reuters)