Exclusive: The battle for Udy in northern Kharkiv oblast exposes the desperation of Russian propaganda

Russia claimed they occupied the village of Udy. They haven't. That hasn't stopped their media machine from making the false claim.

Perilous is an apt description of the border area that separates Ukraine and Russia in northern Kharkiv oblast. Spanning hundreds of kilometers, and taking in occupied areas such as Vovchansk, since the 24 of February the Russian terrorists have used this positioning to launch continuous cross-border attacks against Ukraine, including attempting to occupy the city of Kharkiv during the beginning stages of the full-scale war.

After being rebuffed in their efforts to take Kharkiv’s second city, Putin’s war criminals settled into multiple cities around the region until the fascists were driven back into Russia thanks to a monumental route of their forces by the heroes of Ukraine.

Since that time, the north-central and northeast villages of the oblast have faced a barrage of bombardments originating by air from Belgorod, including rocket attacks, drones dropping cluster munitions, and strafing by helicopters. Yet despite this extensive use of aerial power, multiple attempts by the enemy army to reclaim settlements in this area have failed.

Now, in the last week, having focused its failed efforts on the village of Udy on several occasions, the Russian propaganda machine has stepped in where its army has so spectacularly failed.

Over the last day, spurred by a report from the official Russian Ministry of Defense Telegram channel, pro-Russian social media accounts have touted the capture of the strategic area.

This is a lie.

Russian forces have not taken Udy.

A variety of sources throughout different levels of the Ukrainian government have confirmed this fact.

Once again, the only way Russia manages to win is by creating its own truth, fundamentally separated from the reality of the war on the ground.