Russians trapped despite claims of capturing Kupiansk
As of December 22, 2025, Russian propaganda claims about supposedly capturing Kupiansk are false. A small enemy group of 100–200 soldiers is currently completely surrounded inside the city and is gradually surrendering their weapons.
This was reported on live TV by Viktor Trehubov, Head of Communications for the Joint Forces Group of Ukraine.
The situation in the area remains complex, but the initiative remains with the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Ukrainian units control about 90% of Kupiansk’s territory, methodically clearing the remaining occupiers from basements and buildings. The estimate of the blocked enemy’s numbers is based on intercepted radio calls, giving Ukrainian command a clear picture of the opponent’s status.
Meanwhile, on the left bank of the Oskil River, Russian forces are attempting to pressure Ukrainian positions to relieve their encircled units in the city. However, all assault attempts toward Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi have been unsuccessful. Intelligence reports indicate that most enemy forces in this sector are low-trained contract soldiers and foreign mercenaries, incapable of effective professional action.
OSINT analysts have also disproved the Russian claim that President Volodymyr Zelensky’s video near the entrance to Kupiansk was pre-recorded.
