Ukraine Denies Pokrovsk Capture, Cites Heavy Fighting in North

Ukrainian officials have firmly denied Russian claims that the key town of Pokrovsk has fallen. They report their troops still control northern districts amid intense combat. The Ukrainian military described recent Russian social media videos, which purport to show their flag in Pokrovsk, as propaganda. A spokesperson dismissed them as "flag-planting" stunts. Authorities state these videos aim to create a false narrative for political purposes. The goal, they say, is to pressure Ukraine during any future negotiations. The situation in Pokrovsk remains dynamic and contested. Both sides acknowledge that heavy fighting is ongoing in the area.