Russia has accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of forbidding Ukrainian troops from acknowledging the loss of key cities, claiming Kyiv is concealing battlefield setbacks to safeguard Western aid. Moscow says Kupyansk has fallen and Ukrainian forces face encirclement, massive casualties, and collapsing defensive lines. At the UN Security Council, Russia painted a catastrophic picture of Ukraine’s front, alleging Zelensky orders troops to hold positions “until the last soldier.” Kyiv denies any encirclement, calling the claims propaganda. Meanwhile, a corruption probe in Ukraine uncovered an alleged $100 million kickback scheme, further intensifying scrutiny on Zelensky’s leadership. Watch
