The region has a population density of 97 people per square kilometer.

400 sq kilometers would make ~38,000 people.

So you are saying that makes 8 cities that are unspecified in any reports of which cities they might be and they are somehow slighting those 8 cities by not getting a response from the general.

“Syrskyi’s statement did not make clear how much of the newly secured territory had previously been under Russian control and how much lay in “grey zone” areas not firmly held by either side. Ukraine’s General Staff did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.”

Sounds like they don’t know anything but reported what the general told them.