Russian Defence Ministry announced on October 29 that combat would pause in three locations for 5‑6 hours to allow safe journalist access, a move rejected by Ukraine and condemned by experts.
Ceasefire for Journalists
Russian Defence Ministry said it would suspend combat operations in three cities for five to six hours to allow safe work for journalists, including those from Ukraine. Putin announced the idea on October 29, explaining that reporters could see what is happening on the ground.
Ukraine rejected the proposal. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Viktor Tikhon warned the Kremlin has never kept any ceasefire and that its aim is to extend the war and provoke the media.
Experts: It’s Not a Siege
Military analysts quoted by Nowa Gazeta Europa say the frontline situation is difficult but Ukrainian forces are not encircled. Former SBU officer Ivan Stupak notes that main roads to Pogrów are destroyed, yet field routes still function for supply.
“The Russians have cut asphalt roads, but there is no blockade; the Ukrainian army can withdraw with minimal losses,” he emphasizes. Expert Kyrylo Mykhajlov adds that Russians control the area with drones, hampering communication, but a full siege has not occurred.
A ‘Spectacle for Trump’ and Information War
According to Stupak, Putin could repeat last year’s scenario—in which he convinced Donald Trump that thousands of Ukrainian soldiers were trapped in a pocket in Kursk. “It’s another political spectacle, not a military reality,” the expert says.
Pro‑Russian military bloggers also admit Russian successes are exaggerated. Data from the U.S. Institute for the Study of War show Russia failed to close a ring around Pogrów or Kupianiec.
Time for Reshuffling
Expert Aleksandr Kowalenko believes the Kremlin’s promised “humanitarian pauses” are intended to allow Russians to rotate troops, evacuate wounded and restock supplies. “Under the guise of inviting journalists, Russia wants to reinforce its front‑line positions,” he says.
According to Stupak, Ukraine will not respond to Putin’s proposal. “In Kyiv, no one even comments on it: everyone knows it’s a provocation,” the former SBU officer concludes.
Hard Situation
Since the start of the war, Russians have organized similar trips for journalists, showing only those front or occupied areas whose current situation aligns with Kremlin narratives. This time Moscow wants to show reporters a stretch of frontline where Russians, Ukrainians, and some independent experts assess the situation differently.
“The hardest area now is the Pogrów direction. There, as in previous weeks, combat intensity reaches its peak and Russians are densely concentrated,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described. “The situation in Kupianiec remains difficult, but in recent days we have greater control and continue to defend positions” he added.