Russian propaganda resources are spreading false information alleging that 500 civilians in Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi, in the Kharkiv region, have been “taken hostage” and are being used as a “human shield”.

This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation.

As the Centre emphasizes, these claims by propagandists are untrue and constitute part of a coordinated information operation against Ukraine.

According to official reports, local authorities, emergency services, law enforcement agencies, and volunteer organizations continue to carry out the organized evacuation of residents from the Kupiansk district. Any claims about “blocked escape routes” or the “shooting of people attempting to leave” are described as fabrications aimed at creating panic among the population and disrupting evacuation efforts.

The Center for Countering Disinformation emphasizes that Russia is once again resorting to disinformation in an attempt to undermine civilians’ trust in Ukraine’s Defense Forces and to hinder the work of services responsible for ensuring public safety and the evacuation of citizens.