Fact Check: At this very moment, thousands of Ukrainian troops are completely surrounded by the Russian military, and in a very bad and vulnerable position

The Claim: "At this very moment, thousands of Ukrainian troops are completely surrounded by the Russian military, and in a very bad and vulnerable position"

Introduction

The assertion that thousands of Ukrainian troops are currently surrounded by Russian forces and in a precarious situation has emerged amidst ongoing military operations in Ukraine. This claim raises questions about the accuracy of battlefield reports and the reliability of sources providing such information.

What We Know

1. Current Military Situation: Reports indicate that Russian troops are advancing toward strategic locations such as Kurakhove, which is approximately 35 kilometers south of Pokrovsk, suggesting increased hostilities in the region 1. The Battle of Avdiivka has also intensified, with both sides engaged in fierce combat 2.

2. Ukrainian Counteroffensive: Ukraine has been conducting a counteroffensive aimed at reclaiming territories occupied by Russian forces, although the effectiveness and outcomes of these operations are variable and context-dependent 4.

3. Claims of Encirclement: A report from Russian sources, including former President Dmitry Medvedev, suggests that Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region are "almost surrounded" by advancing Russian troops 10. However, this claim is not independently verified and comes from a source with a clear pro-Russian bias.

4. Military Intelligence Reports: Ukrainian military intelligence has indicated that around 620,000 Russian soldiers are currently deployed in Ukraine, which could imply significant troop movements and potential encirclements 3.

5. Recent Russian Offensive: As of mid-October 2023, reports indicate that Russia has launched one of its largest assaults in months, particularly targeting the city of Avdiivka, which is critical for both sides 6.

Analysis

The claim regarding the encirclement of Ukrainian troops is supported by some reports but remains contentious.

• Source Reliability: The BBC and Al Jazeera are generally considered reliable news sources, providing fact-checked information and analysis. However, the report from Medvedev, while notable, originates from a political figure with vested interests in portraying the situation in a light favorable to Russia, which raises concerns about its objectivity 10.

• Methodological Concerns: The assertion of encirclement lacks corroboration from independent military analysts or neutral observers. The situation on the ground is fluid, and battlefield reports can be subject to misinformation or exaggeration, especially in the context of ongoing conflict.

• Conflicting Reports: While some sources suggest that Ukrainian troops are in a vulnerable position, others highlight their resilience and ongoing counteroffensive efforts. For instance, Ukrainian military officials have stated that they are actively resisting Russian advances, which contradicts the narrative of total encirclement 8.

• Need for Additional Information: More detailed, independent assessments from military analysts or on-the-ground reports would be beneficial in verifying the extent of encirclement and the actual conditions faced by Ukrainian troops.

Conclusion

Verdict: Unverified

The claim that thousands of Ukrainian troops are completely surrounded by Russian military forces remains unverified. While there are reports suggesting increased Russian advances and potential encirclement, these assertions primarily stem from sources that may not be impartial, such as Russian officials. The lack of independent verification and conflicting accounts from various military analysts contribute to the uncertainty surrounding this claim.

It is important to note that the situation on the ground is highly dynamic, and battlefield reports can often be influenced by propaganda or misinformation. The absence of corroborating evidence from neutral observers further complicates the assessment of the claim's validity.

Readers should approach such claims with skepticism and critically evaluate the information presented, considering the potential biases of sources and the fluid nature of military engagements. As the conflict evolves, ongoing monitoring and independent verification will be essential for a clearer understanding of the situation.

Sources

1. BBC. "Ukraine war: Troops fear encirclement in Pokrovsk as Russians near." Link
2. Wikipedia. "Battle of Avdiivka (2023–2024)." Link
3. BBC. "Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with Russia." Link
4. Wikipedia. "2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive." Link
5. South China Morning Post. "Putin visits Russia's Kursk region, wants it 'liberated' from Ukraine." Link
6. ABC News. "Russia mounts largest assault in months in eastern Ukraine." Link
7. Sky News. "Ukraine war latest: Russian troops 'use gas pipeline' to..." Link
8. Understanding War. "Russia Has Failed to Break Ukraine." Link
9. Al Jazeera. "Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 601." Link
10. MSN. "Ukraine's forces in Kursk almost surrounded, says former Russian president." Link