Fact check: Https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c79d52gpd02o

1. Summary of the results

The situation in Velyka Novosilka represents a significant Russian military advance, with Russian forces now controlling approximately 89% of the settlement as of January 26, 2025 ^[1]. The battle has been particularly challenging for Ukrainian forces, who were forced to retreat on foot under drone surveillance after Russian forces successfully isolated them by capturing surrounding villages ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial pieces of context are missing from the original coverage:

• Broader Military Context: Russian forces suffered 48,240 casualties in January 2025 and gained approximately 498 square kilometers of territory, indicating high casualty rates relative to territorial gains ^[3].
• Ceasefire Perspectives: Ukrainian military personnel, particularly battalion commander Volodymyr Sablyn, express significant skepticism about potential ceasefires, estimating only a 30-40% chance of success. They believe any pause would merely allow Russia to regroup and launch new offensives ^{[4] [5]}.
• Technological Developments: Ukrainian forces have made notable innovations in drone warfare, while Russia faces challenges in military command and force generation ^[3].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

Several potential sources of bias should be considered:

• Russian Information Operations: The Russian Ministry of Defense is presenting the seizure of Velyka Novosilka with significant fanfare, likely as part of a deliberate strategy to influence Western perceptions of the battlefield situation ^[1].
• Casualty Reporting: While Russian territorial gains are highlighted, the significant casualties suffered (48,240 in January 2025) provide important context about the cost of these advances ^[3].
• Geopolitical Context: The timing of Russian military actions should be considered in the context of broader geopolitical movements, including Putin's strategic engagement with China and attention to changes in US administration ^[6].