FACT CHECK: Did The Russian Military Stop Attacking In Ukraine?

Elias Atienza | Senior Reporter

A video shared on Facebook claims the Russian military stopped all offensives and attacks in Ukraine.

Verdict: False

While the Ukrainians have launched counter-attacks across Ukraine, the Russian military is continuing their offensive in the country as well.

Fact Check:

The Ukrainian military launched the first phase of its counter-offensive in Kherson last week, seeking to retake territory lost in the southern region of the country, according to Axios. The Ukrainians also launched a surprise offensive in the Kharkiv region, targeting a critical supply route and testing pressured Russian forces, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The Facebook video, viewed more than 12,000 times, claims “Putin finally admitted- Russian army had to stop all attacks!” (RELATED: Did The Ukrainian Navy Destroy 13 Russian Warships In One Strike?)

However, there is no evidence that the Russian military has stopped all attacks. There are no credible news reports suggesting military action in Ukraine has ceased. Neither the Russian Ministry of Defense nor the Russian government has released statements stating that it was ceasing all offensive actions in Ukraine.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a U.S.-based think tank, stated in its Sept. 1 assessment that “Russian forces conducted ground attacks northwest of Slovyansk, south and northeast of Bakhmut, and northwest and southwest of Donetsk City.” An Aug. 31 assessment stated “Russian forces conducted ground attacks south of Bakhmut and along the western outskirts of Donetsk City.”

The ISW also reported in its Sept. 6 assessment that Russian forces made incremental gains in some areas and reclaimed Kodema, a town in the Donetsk region. Ukraine is continuing their counter-offensive push, according to Al-Jazeera.

Misinformation about the Russian invasion of Ukraine is not new. Check Your Fact recently debunked a claim that Russia conquered two countries in Europe.

Elias Atienza

Senior Reporter
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