Direct message to Vladimir Putin: "Don't embarrass yourself…" VIDEO

Ukrainian Brigadier General Andriy Biletskyi, commander of the 3rd Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, released a video filmed in the center of Sviatohirsk, showing that there was no sign of Russian troops in the city.

According to Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications (Spravdi), the video circulating on social media first shows Putin’s statement, in which the Russian leader says: “Over the past month, 14 settlements have come under the control of Russian forces; Kozacha Lopan has been liberated, and yesterday, the city of Sviatohirsk.”

“Take off those clown noses and wigs”

The footage then cuts to General Biletskyi, standing calmly in the center of the city. Familiar city landmarks can be seen in the background, while a civilian car drives along the street.

“Glory to Ukraine. You have probably all heard that Russian forces have taken full control of the city of Sviatohirsk and so on,” Biletskyi said, before directly addressing Moscow.

“I want to address the Russian military and military-political leadership. There are no Russian troops here, are there? Take off those clown noses and colorful wigs of yours, don’t make fools of yourselves. It’s not that there have never been Russian soldiers in Sviatohirsk, but this is a beautiful town in the north. It is advisable to wear body armor, but you can walk around without any problems. As you can see, it is a peaceful and beautiful day. There, a civilian car is passing by.”

“This is our rear area, don’t embarrass yourselves”

Biletskyi then used the camera to show key locations in the city to confirm his location.

“In a word, this is Sviatohirsk, the very center, the heart of Sviatohirsk. The monastery is here, and there is the Artem monument over there. The city of Sviatohirsk lies within the defensive zone of the 60th Mechanized Brigade of the 3rd Army Corps. This is the rear area of our corps; everything here is under control. In short, that’s it. Have a pleasant day, everyone, and glory to Ukraine,” the Ukrainian general said.

Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications said there was no fighting in Sviatohirsk, that the city remained firmly behind Ukrainian lines, and that Russian forces had not even reached it, describing Putin’s announcement as “another fabricated military triumph and a humiliation for the Kremlin chief.”