Russia is creating the illusion of an offensive on Zaporizhzhia – Kovalenko
Russia is attempting to create the impression that it could rapidly seize Zaporizhzhia in order to intimidate the West and influence peace negotiations. In reality, there is no breakthrough for infantry forces, and the city is firmly defended by Ukrainian troops. This was stated by Andrii Kovalenko, Head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, in a post on his Telegram channel.
According to Kovalenko, the Kremlin is relying on emotional manipulation rather than real facts.
“This lie is designed not for facts, but for emotions,” he said. He added that Russian forces are spreading false claims about a possible advance from Vasylivka in an attempt to influence international partners and prolong the war at least until spring.
The actual situation on the ground leaves the enemy with no real prospects: swamps, bodies of water and Ukrainian defensive positions make any infantry breakthrough impossible.
“For Zaporizhzhia, the only threats currently come from the air. There is no infantry offensive, and there cannot be one at this time,” Kovalenko stressed.
He also remarked that in Putin’s mind there is a “little Gerasimov” who fuels the illusion of a rapid collapse of the front, despite having become a multimillionaire through schemes within the Russian army.
The NSDC emphasised that Russia’s entire information campaign is aimed at manipulating emotions in the West rather than reflecting real combat activity. Ukrainian defenders are holding their positions and maintaining firm control of the situation around the regional centre.
