UAF counteroffensive near Kupiansk yields results — almost the entire city under control
Ukrainian forces have pushed Russian troops out of Kupiansk and taken control of almost 90% of the city, according to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, during a “Ramstein” meeting.
Syrskyi noted that Russia has concentrated a force of about 710,000 troops to continue offensive operations. Despite significant losses, the Russian army has not abandoned its offensive, though it has achieved no substantial operational successes. Meanwhile, the Commander-in-Chief highlighted examples of successful Ukrainian operations, particularly in the Kharkiv region.
“Thanks to active reconnaissance and strike actions, we were able to push the occupiers out of Kupiansk and take control of almost 90% of the city,” Syrskyi said.
According to him, the operation near Kupiansk has been planned since autumn. During the counteroffensive, Ukrainian forces: blocked a significant number of Russian units, cleared certain residential neighborhoods, destroyed a gas pipeline that Russian troops tried to use to sneak into the city.
Syrskyi also discussed the Pokrovsk direction, where Russian forces have been attempting to capture the city for over 17 months, but Ukrainian units continue to hold the line and seize the initiative.
“As a result of counteroffensive actions, we regained control of 16 square kilometers in northern Pokrovsk and recaptured 56 square kilometers in the areas of Hryshyne, Kotlyne, and Udachne,” he stated.
He emphasized that Ukraine is increasing pressure deep within Russian territory. According to Syrskyi, strikes on Russia’s critical infrastructure have caused direct and indirect losses of about $21.5 billion since the beginning of the year.
Additionally, Ukrainian forces reportedly eliminated a record number of Russian occupiers in a single day, according to the General Staff.
The most difficult situations on the front remain in the Pokrovsk and Kupiansk directions, according to ISW.
