Russian Forces Near Collapse in Kupyansk as Ukraine Gains Strategic Ground
KUPYANSK, Ukraine — Russian forces in the northeastern city of Kupyansk appear to be on the brink of collapse, with only a handful of isolated troops remaining as Ukraine regains control of this strategic location. Ukrainian military officials report that supply lines to Russian units have failed, forcing many to surrender or become cut off from reinforcements.
Viktor Trehubov, head of communications for Ukraine’s Joint Forces grouping, confirmed during a televised briefing that only several dozen Russian soldiers, including foreign mercenaries, remain trapped within Kupyansk. “They are surrendering,” Trehubov said, noting that some foreign fighters allied with Moscow have given themselves up. The remaining Russian forces are reportedly dependent on limited air resupply, a tactic insufficient for sustaining long-term operations in the city.
“Supply by air bridge alone is not something that allows them to hold out for long,” Trehubov emphasized. Despite ongoing Russian assaults along the Kupyansk axis, Ukrainian officials maintain that Moscow’s forces lack the manpower and reserves necessary to shift the balance of power on the ground.
This development marks a significant setback for Russian military efforts in the region, with Kremlin-aligned military bloggers and war correspondents increasingly conceding that Kupyansk is no longer under Russian control. Trehubov highlighted this shift, stating, “An entire wave of messages appeared saying that Kupyansk is gone. Even Russian propagandists have switched to a line acknowledging that the city is no longer under their control.”
Ukraine’s hold over Kupyansk has been contested since its liberation in September 2022, with Russian forces briefly occupying the city during the early stages of the invasion. However, Ukrainian officials assert that Russia never fully reestablished control, making the recent developments a decisive moment in the ongoing conflict.
The strategic importance of Kupyansk lies in its location as a logistical hub in the Kharkiv Oblast, vital for controlling supply routes and military movements. The loss of Kupyansk further strains Moscow’s operational capabilities in eastern Ukraine.
These events unfold amid broader diplomatic efforts, with the United States and Ukraine reportedly nearing a comprehensive peace deal, even as Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected recent ceasefire proposals. The U.S. Department of State continues to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing diplomatic solutions alongside military assistance.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces maintain pressure on multiple fronts, with artillery units like the 44th artillery brigade actively engaging Russian positions in the Zaporizhzhia region. The U.S. Department of Defense has acknowledged the resilience of Ukrainian forces and the challenges facing Russian troops.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely. The United Nations continues to call for peaceful resolution and humanitarian support for affected civilians in conflict zones.
The unfolding events in Kupyansk underscore the fluid dynamics of the conflict and the critical role of supply lines and morale in modern warfare. With Russian forces increasingly isolated and Ukrainian troops advancing, the balance of power in eastern Ukraine may be shifting decisively in Kyiv’s favor.
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