Amidst the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, a video circulating on social media platforms claiming to show Ukrainian soldiers surrendering to Russian forces near Kupiansk has been debunked as misleading and outdated. The video, purportedly showing the collapse of Ukrainian defenses in the face of Russian advances, has gained significant traction online, fueling debate about the situation in the Kharkiv region, particularly around the contested city of Kupiansk. The resurgence of the video coincides with recent claims by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who stated last Wednesday that Russian forces had “completely encircled” the city, a claim vehemently denied by Ukrainian officials. However, an investigation by DZWatch reveals that the footage is not recent and does not depict the current situation in Kupiansk.
The video, shared widely across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), allegedly shows a group of twelve Ukrainian soldiers surrendering to Russian troops. Accounts sharing the video claimed it as evidence of Ukrainian forces crumbling under pressure in the Kupiansk area. One such post, originating from the account “@SMO_VZ” on X, accompanied the video with the caption: “Encircled in Kupyansk, the Ukrainian Armed Forces militants have begun to surrender!!!!! A group of 12 people reported their readiness to surrender in exchange for life guarantees. Currently, options for their safe withdrawal are being worked out, the Russian Ministry of…” The post quickly garnered tens of thousands of views, further amplifying the narrative of Ukrainian setbacks.
DZWatch’s investigation involved a reverse image search and a careful examination of the video’s metadata. The investigation revealed that the video was initially posted in April 2022, well before the current escalation around Kupiansk. The original post, also on X, described the video as depicting a “major surrender of Ukrainian forces in Mariupol,” a city in southeastern Ukraine that saw intense fighting in the early stages of the war. The April 2022 post, from the account “@Osinttechnical,” claimed the video showed the surrender of approximately 267 marines in Mariupol.
The discrepancy in location and timing clearly indicates that the video is not related to the recent fighting near Kupiansk. The resurfacing of this older video highlights the ongoing challenge of combating disinformation in the context of the Ukrainian conflict. False or misleading information can significantly impact public perception and potentially influence the course of the war. The spread of such content can erode trust in legitimate news sources and contribute to a climate of confusion and uncertainty.
The incident underscores the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking when consuming information online, particularly concerning sensitive topics like armed conflicts. DZWatch urges its readers to be vigilant and to verify information from multiple credible sources before sharing it on social media. Using tools like reverse image search and consulting reputable fact-checking organizations can help individuals identify and avoid spreading false or misleading content.
For more information about Technology, check our dedicated section.
The situation around Kupiansk remains contested. While Russia claims to have made significant advances, Ukrainian forces continue to resist. Independent verification of battlefield claims is often difficult due to the ongoing nature of the conflict and restrictions on access to the front lines. DZWatch continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide accurate and reliable updates as they become available.
Beyond the immediate issue of the misleading video, the broader context of the conflict reveals a worrying trend of escalating Russian military activity. According to Ukrainian data analyzed by international news agencies, Russia significantly increased its missile strikes against Ukraine in October 2025, launching more missiles than in any other month since the beginning of 2023. The analysis indicates that Russia launched approximately 270 missiles during October, representing a 46% increase compared to September. These attacks primarily targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread damage and disruption.
The increased missile strikes, coupled with the ongoing ground fighting in areas like Kupiansk, demonstrate Russia’s continued commitment to its military objectives in Ukraine. The conflict has had a devastating impact on the Ukrainian population, with millions displaced and significant damage to infrastructure and the economy. International efforts to mediate a peaceful resolution to the conflict have so far been unsuccessful. The spread of disinformation, such as the misleading video discussed in this article, further complicates the situation and makes it more difficult to achieve a lasting peace. DZWatch remains dedicated to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on the conflict in Ukraine, helping its readers stay informed and make informed decisions. We will continue to investigate and expose instances of disinformation and hold those responsible accountable for spreading false or misleading information. The safety and security of our readers are our top priority, and we encourage everyone to be vigilant and to report any instances of suspected disinformation to our editorial team. Together, we can work to combat the spread of false information and promote a more informed and responsible public discourse about the conflict in Ukraine.
