Putin visits Russian “West” command post, urges Ukrainian forces to surrender

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the command post of the Russian forces “West” grouping on Thursday (November 20), meeting with Chief of Russia’s General Staff Valery Gerasimov and senior military officials, the Kremlin said.

During the visit, Putin requested updates on ongoing operations, particularly in Kostiantynivka and the Kramatorsk direction. He also focused on efforts to encourage Ukrainian troops to surrender.

The Kremlin said Putin was briefed on the situation across several key areas of eastern Ukraine, including Kupiansk in Kharkiv region. Gerasimov informed him that Russian forces had captured the city, stating:

“Units of the ‘West’ grouping have liberated the city of Kupiansk and are continuing to destroy Ukrainian armed forces units surrounded on the left bank of the Oskol River.”

Gerasimov also reported significant territorial gains elsewhere, including control of 70% of Pokrovsk and more than 80% of Vovchansk.

Putin’s visit and remarks underline Russia’s ongoing focus on operations in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, with particular emphasis on compelling Ukrainian troops to surrender while consolidating territorial gains.

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