Ukrainian Troops Retake Key Areas in Kupiansk

Ukraine has reported a major breakthrough in the northern Kharkiv region, with parts of the strategic town of Kupiansk recaptured from Russian control. Ukrainian forces claim that Russian troops in the city are now completely surrounded, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.

Ukrainian commander Ihor Obolienskyi, head of the Khartiia Corps of the National Guard, told Ukrainska Pravda:

“Today, we can say that the Russians in the city are completely cut off. For a long time, they couldn’t understand what was happening. But now they know they are surrounded.”

The northern districts of Kupiansk have reportedly been liberated, with Ukrainian forces regaining control of key positions and supply routes.

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Zelenskyy Visits Frontline and Praises Troops

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Kupiansk to meet with frontline troops and record a video message highlighting the bravery and resilience of Ukrainian forces. His visit underscores the strategic importance of Kupiansk, which Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously claimed as “practically in Russian hands” on November 4, 2025.

Oleksandr Syrskii, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, emphasized the extent of Russian disinformation, noting that Moscow has used fake maps and misleading narratives as part of its hybrid warfare strategy.

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Ongoing Battles in Eastern Ukraine

While Ukraine advances in Kupiansk, fighting continues in other contested regions, including Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in eastern Donetsk. Ukrainian forces control portions of northern Pokrovsk, holding almost 13 square kilometers (5 square miles), despite Russian claims of complete control.

Geolocated footage and satellite imagery confirm the continued presence of Ukrainian troops in these areas, even after temporary tactical retreats earlier in the autumn. Ukrainian forces are also defending approximately 54 sq km (21 sq miles) west of Pokrovsk, maintaining critical positions against Russian advances.

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Russian and International Context

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlights that Russia’s campaign to seize Donetsk Oblast, including heavily fortified areas, would likely take two to three years, with high costs and significant military challenges. Despite major operations, Russia has made limited territorial gains over the past two years—less than 1 percent of Ukraine each year—while suffering an estimated 820,000 casualties.

The conflict has also strained Russia’s economy. Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov reported labor shortages across key sectors, while the slowdown in 2025 has impacted defense spending. Simultaneously, the European Union froze €210 billion ($246 billion) in Russian assets, aiming to redirect the funds toward Ukraine’s war effort.

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Ukrainian Resolve Remains Strong

Despite being outgunned, Ukrainian forces continue to resist Russian advances effectively. Even Russian military accounts acknowledge the difficulty of capturing urban positions, with some enemy units refusing to surrender and holding their ground until neutralized by Ukrainian forces.

The developments in Kupiansk, along with ongoing defensive operations in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, demonstrate Ukraine’s resilience and the effectiveness of its counteroffensives in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions.