ISW debunks Russia's false claim of capturing Sviatohirsk, Donetsk Oblast

Russia's claims about capturing Sviatohirsk in Donetsk Oblast were false, as Ukrainian forces fully control the city, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Kremlin's misinformation has triggered criticism among Russian military propagandists and poses threats to Russia's own army. On September 1, Putin publicly claimed the capture, but on September 7, Ukrainian Brigadier General Andriy Biletskyi released video footage from the city confirming Ukrainian control. ISW noted Russian units were roughly 13 kilometers away in late spring, with the frontline now pushed further back. Russian sources also failed to pass off archived footage as recent, with bloggers debunking the fakes. ISW analysts say systematic false reporting hinders Russian combat operations, as commanders cannot request strikes on Ukrainian positions in "captured" areas and plan maneuvers based on incorrect maps, leading to operational errors and losses. Moscow continues using distorted narratives for political pressure, demanding Ukraine's surrender of territories Russia never occupied.