Kathrine Frich
The move comes amid heavy battles around Pokrovsk, a key supply hub in the Donetsk region, and has prompted speculation about Moscow’s true intentions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has unexpectedly ordered a temporary halt to fighting in several contested Ukrainian cities, citing the need to give foreign journalists access to the front.
Pause amid heavy fighting
On Tuesday, Putin said Ukrainian forces were in a “dramatic situation” near Pokrovsk and surrounded by Russian troops.
He instructed the Defence Ministry to pause combat operations for five to six hours in Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad and Kupiansk so that journalists could “see for themselves what is happening.”
RIA Novosti, a pro-Kremlin agency, confirmed the order and said the Ministry of Defence had been told to allow accredited reporters into the embattled areas.
No details were given on when the ceasefire would begin or whether Ukraine had been consulted.
Pokrovsk, long seen as a vital communications and logistics centre for Ukrainian forces, has been under sustained Russian pressure for weeks.
Dozens of attacks are reported daily as Moscow attempts to cut off supply lines and encircle the city.
Unclear motives
Putin made his remarks during a visit to a hospital treating wounded Russian soldiers. He again claimed that Ukrainian units were surrounded near Kupiansk and Pokrovsk, using the Russian names Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov for the two cities.
Analysts and Ukrainian officials have questioned the timing and purpose of the ceasefire order. Some military observers suggest that Moscow could use the pause to reposition troops, move supplies or repair damaged equipment under the pretext of ensuring the safety of journalists.
Kyiv has not confirmed any agreement to halt hostilities. Ukrainian officials described the announcement as a “propaganda gesture” intended to portray Russian forces as in control of the front.
Reality on the ground
Pokrovsk remains one of the most heavily contested points in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian troops continue to hold defensive positions, though the situation is described as “difficult.” General Oleksandr Syrsky, the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, said Russian claims of encirclement were false.
“The enemy is increasing its activity in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad area,” Syrsky wrote on Facebook. “The situation is difficult, but Russian propaganda about the alleged ‘blocking’ of our forces does not correspond to reality.”
Before the war, Pokrovsk had around 60,000 residents. After months of intense bombardment, only about 1,300 people are thought to remain. Ukrainian officials say civilians face near-constant shelling, while Russian forces launch 40–50 assaults each day.
So far, there has been no verified report that fighting has actually stopped. Ukraine’s military says Russian drones and artillery continue to target the area despite the Kremlin’s statements.
Sources: WP, RIA Novosti, Reuters, BBC, Politico Europe
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
