Ukraine says Russia's claimed territorial advances are 'an illusion'

Key Points:

• Ukraine has rejected Russia's claim of capturing over 1,800 square km and nearly 100 settlements, including Dobropillia, since September 1, stating that Ukrainian forces have actually liberated more territory during this period.
• Russian General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov told President Putin that Russian forces had seized 92 settlements and made significant gains since September, but Ukraine's General Staff spokesman Andriy Kovaliov called these claims false and accused Russia of creating illusions of major victories.
• Russia's advances have slowed this year, but its forces continue to pressure key "fortress belt" cities Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, though Ukraine denies Russian troops have reached Kramatorsk's outskirts or are advancing in Sloviansk's suburbs.
• The frontline remains largely static with intense air campaigns from both sides: Russia has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, while Ukraine has conducted long-range drone attacks on Russian refineries, ships, and warehouses.
• Reuters could not independently verify the conflicting battlefield claims from Russia and Ukraine.