Ukrainian forces have reclaimed large parts of Kupiansk and Pokrovsk, challenging Russian claims of total control and undermining Moscow’s official narrative. The developments come amid ongoing high-stakes military and diplomatic activity.

Ukraine Regains Kupiansk

Ukrainian troops steadily retook control of almost all of northern Kupiansk after isolating roughly 200 Russian soldiers and clearing Russian positions in surrounding forests. By December 13, geolocated footage confirmed Ukrainian advances in the city, including the southern suburb of Yuvileynyi, pushing Russian forces to northern and western outskirts.

Russian officials claimed control over Kupiansk, but Ukrainian sources reported most of the city under Ukrainian Armed Forces control, with Russian troops isolated and supplied only via drones.

“The Russian Defense Minister continues to lie that Russia controls Kupiansk,” said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation.

Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad: Russian Claims Questioned

Contrary to Russian assertions, Ukrainian forces regained 16 square kilometres in northern Pokrovsk and 56 sq km west of the city. Russia continues to claim full control of Pokrovsk and advancing operations in Myrnohrad, but Ukrainian commanders described ongoing resistance and logistical challenges for Russian troops.

Underwater Drone Attack on Russian Submarine

Ukraine successfully deployed an underwater unmanned vehicle (UUV) to strike a Kilo-class submarine in Novorossiysk on December 15—the first recorded military strike of this kind. Russia denied damage, but video evidence showed an explosion at the submarine’s stern.

Ukraine also carried out long-range strikes against Russian energy infrastructure, hitting oil refineries in Yaroslavl, Krasnodar Krai, and Volgograd, as well as the Dorogobuzhskaya power plant in Smolensk.

Russia Signals Continued Aggression

Despite ongoing peace talks in Berlin, Russian officials signaled no intention to halt offensives. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov emphasized maintaining and increasing the pace of operations, while President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Moscow would not compromise on territorial claims.

“Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means,” Putin said, highlighting the Kremlin’s hardline stance.

Russian Losses and Recruitment Challenges

Russia claims over 410,000 volunteers joined the military in 2025, but analysts note these numbers barely offset monthly casualties, estimated at 34,600 per month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed substantial Russian fatalities, citing drone footage.

The Institute for the Study of War noted that Russian forces struggle to replace losses despite active recruitment campaigns, with overall troop strength around 710,000.