Ukrainian officials previously denied that the country’s forces are in a dire situation in the key city
Russian forces have fully taken the eastern part of Kupyansk, a strategically important city in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region, the Defense Ministry in Moscow reported on Tuesday.
Kiev previously denied Russian reports that Ukrainian units have been encircled in Kupyansk and claimed that the attack on the city was being successfully repelled. Moscow said Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky is “detached from reality” in making these statements.
The latest update noted continued Ukrainian attempts “to get through to the encircled units.” The latest push cost Kiev up to 60 troops and 16 pieces of heavy weaponry, including armored vehicles, a radar station, and three electronic warfare stations.
Zelensky claimed last week that there were only around 60 Russian troops in Kupyansk and that Ukrainian forces were sweeping the area to clear them.
Russia previously said its forces encircled Ukrainian units in two separate pockets along the frontline, including near Kupyansk. President Vladimir Putin offered Kiev the opportunity to order a surrender, but Zelensky dismissed the claim, insisting Ukrainian troops remained in control in both areas. Zelensky also accused Moscow of attempting to mislead Western nations, particularly the US. Ukraine heavily relies on foreign aid in its war effort.
The Ukrainian army is reportedly grappling with widespread desertions and difficulties replenishing its ranks through compulsory conscription, which is broadly rejected by civilians. The Zelensky government is counting on damage caused by long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, which it said could compensate for Russia’s advantage on the battlefield.
