September 10, 2026 — Anniversary of the De-occupation of Kupiansk and Izium: The Story of Their Liberation
On September 10, Ukraine commemorates the liberation of Kupiansk and Izium from Russian occupation in 2022. On this very day, during the Slobozhansky Counteroffensive, Ukrainian forces regained control of two key cities in the Kharkiv region, and Russian troops began withdrawing from the region. The year 2026 marks four years since the events that became one of the most notable successes of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the fall of 2022.
September 10, 2022, became one of the key dates in the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region. In early September, the Ukrainian Defense Forces launched a large-scale operation to liberate the occupied territories of the region. Ukrainian units advanced rapidly, while Russian troops were unable to hold their defenses in many areas.
Kupiansk held particular military significance. Important supply routes for the Russian force operating in the Izyum direction ran through the city. Therefore, control over Kupiansk was crucial not only for the city itself but also for the entire Russian logistics system in this sector of the front. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense notes that by the end of September 9, Ukrainian units had already reached the southern outskirts of Kupiansk.
The following day, Ukrainian troops entered the city. Kupiansk was liberated on September 10. Units from the 14th and 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigades, the “Kraken” special forces unit, and the 123rd “Kupiansk” Territorial Defense Battalion, among others, participated in the liberation. On the same day, Ukrainian forces regained control of Izyum as well. Russian units hastily left the city on the morning of September 10, fearing encirclement. Ukrainian troops entered Izyum and began clearing the city of remaining Russian forces and explosive ordnance.
Why These Cities Were Important
Kupiansk and Izyum were of great strategic importance to the Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. Kupiansk was a key transportation hub and was used to supply Russian troops. Izyum, in turn, was one of the main points through which the Russian army attempted to advance toward the Donetsk region. Therefore, the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region created a very difficult situation for Russian forces. The loss of Kupiansk jeopardized the logistics of the Russian forces. The advance of Ukrainian forces toward Izyum posed the risk of encircling a significant number of Russian units.
The Ukrainian operation unfolded very quickly. Over the course of four days of the offensive, the Defense Forces liberated approximately 2,500 square kilometers of territory in the Kharkiv region, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Russian reserves were unable to halt the advance either west of Kupiansk or southeast of Izium. As a result, the Russian command began withdrawing its forces. The occupiers left some of their equipment behind at their positions and on the roads. A significant amount of armored vehicles and artillery was also left behind in Izyum following the Russian troops’ retreat.
How the liberation of Kupiansk unfolded
Kupiansk became one of the main targets of the Ukrainian offensive. On the eve of the liberation, Ukrainian forces had already advanced toward the city from several directions. Russian troops faced the threat of losing an important transportation hub. On September 10, Ukrainian forces began entering Kupiansk. Fighting took place as the area was cleared of Russian troops. Afterward, the Ukrainian flag flew over the city once again.
For local residents, this was the moment they had been waiting for months. Kupiansk had been under Russian occupation, and people had been living in wartime conditions, without reliable communication and under constant danger. After the arrival of Ukrainian troops, a new phase began for the city—the return of Ukrainian government services, humanitarian aid, and the gradual restoration of normal life. However, liberation did not mean that the danger had immediately disappeared. The Kupiansk region remained close to the front lines and continued to be subjected to Russian shelling. Even after de-occupation, the city and the community remained under serious threat.
How Izyum Was Liberated
Izyum was under occupation for about half a year. Russian troops seized the city in the spring of 2022, and for several months, its residents lived without normal access to many basic services. During the occupation, the city faced problems with electricity, gas, water, and communications. People were effectively cut off from information. After the liberation, local residents described just how difficult life had been under occupation.
In early September, the situation changed very quickly. Ukrainian forces began advancing toward Izium from various directions. The Russian command feared being surrounded, so the occupying forces began to withdraw from the city. On the morning of September 10, Russian troops hastily withdrew from Izyum. That same day, Ukrainian troops entered the city, including soldiers from the 25th Separate Airborne Brigade and other units of the Defense Forces.
One of the soldiers from the Izium Territorial Defense Battalion recalled that on September 10, together with the brigade’s reconnaissance unit, they entered the city from the direction of Kharkiv. According to him, Ukrainian troops had already spotted units of the 25th Brigade there. After the liberation, the troops began clearing the area, including defusing landmines.
What They Saw After the Liberation of Izium
The return of the Ukrainian flag was only the first step. After the de-occupation, it became clear just how badly the city had suffered during the fighting and the occupation. Many buildings were damaged or destroyed. Parts of the city’s infrastructure were not functioning. People were left without electricity, water, gas, or reliable communication. One of the main tasks following the liberation was to restore basic services. Ukrainian authorities began restoring electricity, gas, water, communications, and the operations of social services.
In October 2022, authorities reported that gas service in Izium had already begun to be restored. The first 500 families once again had gas in their homes. At the same time, work was underway in other districts of the Kharkiv region. But along with the city’s recovery, another difficult task began—documenting the crimes committed by Russian troops. After de-occupation, law enforcement officers and investigators worked at sites of potential war crimes, gathering evidence and establishing the circumstances surrounding people’s deaths.
How did people react?
The liberation of the cities was an extremely emotional event for local residents. People came out to greet Ukrainian soldiers, thanked the defenders, and raised Ukrainian flags over their homes. Communities recalled that for many people, the moment they met Ukrainian soldiers was one of the most powerful experiences of the entire war. After months of occupation, they saw Ukrainian uniforms and the national flag again.
In one account of the de-occupation of the Kharkiv region, a local resident recalled: “It was as if it had become easier to breathe! We knew shelling would start from that side, but that didn’t matter anymore—except for one thing: we’re free!” For the soldiers, it was also a very powerful moment. Ihor Skybyuk, commander of the Airborne Assault Forces, who participated in the operation, described the liberation of Izium with these words: “There, we saw what victory looks like.”
These words capture the atmosphere of that time well. After months of grueling defense and fighting, Ukrainian soldiers saw the results of their efforts—cities were returning to Ukrainian control.
Which units participated in the liberation
The Kharkiv counteroffensive was a joint operation involving various components of the Defense Forces. Servicemen from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the Territorial Defense Forces, and other units participated in the liberation of Kupiansk and Izyum. In Kupiansk, the units that participated in the liberation included the 14th and 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigades, the “Kraken” special operations unit, and the 123rd “Kupiansk” Territorial Defense Battalion.
In Izium, paratroopers played a significant role. Servicemen from the 25th Sicheslav Separate Airborne Brigade and the 80th Separate Airborneassault brigades, along with other units of the Defense Forces. It is important to remember that the operation’s success was the result of the efforts of a large number of people. In addition to assault units, these included scouts, artillerymen, medics, sappers, signalers, drivers, and military personnel in other specialties.
It was precisely thanks to the coordinated efforts of Ukrainian forces that they were able to advance so quickly through the Kharkiv region. The counteroffensive became one of the most significant turning points of the 2022 campaign.
Why September 10 Became a Memorable Date
After the liberation of Kupiansk and Izium, September 10 came to be seen as a special date for these communities. It commemorates the day when Ukrainian control was restored to these two important cities in the Kharkiv region. In 2024, the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration separately marked the second anniversary of the liberation of Kupiansk and Izyum. Oleg Synyegubov, head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, thanked the military, as well as local administrations, utility workers, medical personnel, rescue workers, law enforcement officers, and volunteers who continued to work amid shelling.
In other words, this date is not just about a military victory. It is also about the people who remained in their cities, survived the occupation, helped one another, and began to rebuild their normal lives after liberation. That is why September 10 holds special significance for the Kharkiv region. It is a day to remember the defenders who liberated the cities and the civilians who survived the occupation.
How the Anniversary Is Marked
On the anniversary of the liberation, commemorative events are held in cities and communities. The format may vary depending on the security situation, as Kupiansk and Izium remain under threat of Russian attacks. In 2023, citywide events were organized in Izyum to mark the first anniversary. There, the fallen and tortured civilians and Ukrainian soldiers were remembered, and flowers were laid at the graves of the fallen defenders. Children’s groups, community representatives, and artists also performed.
The events culminated in a group photo of military personnel on Mount Kremenets—one of the highest points in Izium. This place holds special significance for the city and became one of the symbolic backdrops following its liberation. In Kupiansk, the memory of September 10 has even been enshrined in the urban landscape. During the street renaming process, the community supported names associated with the city’s defenders and its liberation. In particular, one of the streets was named 10 September Street. According to the results of an open vote, 89.5% of participants supported this name.
Interesting Facts About the Liberation
Kupiansk and Izium were liberated on the same day. Both cities returned to Ukrainian control on September 10, 2022, although the combat situation and the path to their de-occupation differed.
The counteroffensive unfolded very quickly. In four days, Ukrainian troops liberated approximately 2,500 square kilometers of territory in the Kharkiv region.
Kupiansk was a key logistics hub. Its loss created serious supply problems for the Russian force operating in the Izium sector.
Russian troops abandoned their equipment. During their retreat, the occupiers left serviceable or slightly damaged military equipment on roads and at their positions. A significant amount of armored vehicles and artillery was also left behind in Izyum.
The struggle did not end with the liberation. Ukrainian services had to clear the area of mines, restore infrastructure, and document the consequences of the occupation. Parts of the Kharkiv region remained dangerous due to mines and unexploded ordnance.
The date has remained etched in the city’s memory. In Kupiansk, following a public discussion, place names associated with the city’s liberation on September 10, 2022, were adopted.
Why It Is Important to Remember This Date
The liberation of Kupiansk and Izium was a significant event not only for the Kharkiv region. The success of the Ukrainian counteroffensive demonstrated that Russian troops could lose territory they had seized, and that the Ukrainian army was capable of conducting complex offensive operations. For the residents themselves, the significance of this date is even simpler. It is the day when, after months of occupation, the Ukrainian flag returned to their cities.
At the same time, September 10 is not just a day of victory. It is also a day of remembrance for those who died defending the Kharkiv region, during the occupation, and during the region’s liberation. After the de-occupation, numerous stories emerged from Izyum and other settlements of people who had survived shelling, torture, the loss of loved ones, and life without basic necessities. In the years that followed, this date took on another meaning. It serves as a reminder that the liberation of the territory is only the beginning of a great undertaking. We must bring people back, rebuild homes, roads, and hospitals, clear the land of mines, restore schools and businesses, and preserve the memory of what was endured.
In 2026, four years after those events, Kupiansk and Izium once again commemorate their liberators on September 10. And the main symbol of this date remains the Ukrainian flag, which returned to fly over the cities in 2022 after months of Russian occupation.
