# Russia-Ukraine battlefield disinformation dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-ukraine-battlefield-disinformation-dispute > Updated: 2026-10-04T05:53:01.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have identified a pattern of systematic exaggeration regarding Russian territorial gains in Ukraine. In September 2026, reports indicated that the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have captured over 5,300 square kilometers and 220 settlements, though analysts noted a massive discrepancy between these claims and the reality on the ground. By October, the ISW further disputed claims made by Vladimir Putin regarding September's fighting. While Putin asserted that Russian forces seized 1,301 square kilometers, ISW geolocated data suggested a net territorial loss for Russia of approximately 31 square miles. The ISW described Putin’s account of the month’s combat as being “so far from reality as to resemble hallucinations,” characterizing the discrepancies as part of a Kremlin cognitive warfare effort to present a fictional battlefield reality. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-04: Institute for the Study of War disputes Putin's claims of Russian gains in Ukraine The Institute for the Study of War reports that Russian forces suffered a net territorial loss in Ukraine during September, contradicting claims by Vladimir Putin of significant territorial gains. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/institute-for-the-study-of-war-disputes-putins-claims-of-russian-gains-in-ukraine ### 2026-09-20: Russia accused of exaggerating battlefield gains in Ukraine The Russian Ministry of Defense is accused of exaggerating battlefield successes in Ukraine to influence elections and foreign policy, according to ISW analysts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-accused-of-exaggerating-battlefield-gains-in-ukraine --- Cite as: Russia-Ukraine battlefield disinformation dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-ukraine-battlefield-disinformation-dispute