Invitation to occupied cities: an offer from Russia
Journalist of the German publication Bild, Julian Ropke, received an invitation from Russia to visit the temporarily occupied Ukrainian cities of Kup'yansk and Pokrovsk. The offer was made on behalf of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, through a producer of the Russian 'First Channel' with the aim of familiarizing journalists with the situation on the ground.
The invitation also mentioned the possibility of temporarily halting hostilities in the areas of Pokrovsk and Kup'yansk to ensure the safe movement of foreign journalists. However, Julian Ropke declined this offer and shared his thoughts on social media.
« Russian state television invites me to Pokrovsk. I don't think so. But hey! I wish you all the best, pro-Kremlin loudspeakers », the journalist noted.
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation announced readiness to cease hostilities for some time in the areas of conflict with the Ukrainian Defense Forces in Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, and Kup'yansk. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, confirmed the complexity of the situation in these areas but denied claims of a blockade by Russian propaganda.
Counteroffensive in Pokrovsk
The Economist journalist Oliver Carroll reported that the Defense Forces are conducting a counteroffensive near Pokrovsk in Donetsk region to restore logistical routes. According to military intelligence, there is a helicopter landing taking place in areas controlled by Russia.
During recent events in eastern Ukraine, the Russian side offers foreign journalists to visit the occupied cities for 'familiarization with the situation,' but global media continue to actively investigate and report on the situation in areas where the war is ongoing. The Ukrainian side, in turn, is showing activity in restoring control in areas that have become the target of Russian aggression.