Major blow for Putin as he's 'being lied to' by his own commanders in Ukraine

Analysts said incorrect claims about Russian gains are being made to push the narrative that Moscow's forces are 'actively advancing' in Ukraine. 14:53, Sat, Aug 1, 2026 Updated: 14:55, Sat, Aug 1, 2026 Russian President Vladimir Putin (Image: Getty)Senior Russian military commanders are “lying” to Vladimir Putin about progress in Ukraine, analysts suggest. The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said evidence from the battlefield does not tally with Russian claims of advances in north-east Ukraine.In one instance, it cited reports that Russian forces had used AI-altered footage to falsely claim they had seized Bilyi Kolodyaz, a small settlement in Kharkiv Oblast. Footage that circulated online purportedly showing a Russian soldier holding a Russian flag on the outskirts of the area was “likely AI-generated or -altered”, it said.The ISW added that Ukrainian forces have also disputed several other claims of Russian advances.Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Ukraine overnight (Image: Getty)In its latest update on the conflict, the ISW said Russian units fighting in Ukraine’s north and high military command “are likely lying to the Kremlin about the extent ...