India, March 15 -- The Ukrainian Army on Friday claimed that reports of its soldiers "encircled" by Russians in the Kursk region are false and fabricated.

The army said that such reports by the Russians are for "political manipulation" and to exert pressure on Ukraine and its partners.

"The situation has remained largely unchanged over the past day. Combat operations within the operational zone of the 'Kursk' group of forces are ongoing," the Ukrainian Army said.

"Our soldiers are effectively repelling enemy offensive actions and inflicting significant fire damage using all available weapon systems," it added.

The clarification by Ukraine comes after US President Donald Trump appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to spare the l...