In recent days, Ukraine’s Defense Forces mounted a successful counterattack near Kupyansk, easing the threat of encirclement around this key defensive hub, according to military analyst Yan Matveyev.
Within a week, Kupyansk went from facing a potential encirclement to pulling back from the brink.
For a month, Russian troops held positions near Radkivka and tried to advance around the village of Myrne. On August 23–24, Russian infantry pushed south to Sobolivka, moving roughly three kilometers. That advance threatened the R-07 highway, which supplies Kupyansk from Kharkiv.
Amid these developments, reports surfaced of a dire situation for the Ukrainian garrison and even the possibility the city might be surrendered. Panic grew on rumors of fighting in northern districts. Russian units did enter the city, but only in small groups. They briefly infiltrated several streets and failed to hold ground. Ukrainian forces foiled their plans.
Despite that, talk of Kupyansk’s fall spread. By week’s end, Ukrainian troops seized the initiative, counterattacked, liberated Myrne, pushed Russian forces back from Sobolivka, and reasserted control over the city’s northern sector.
Matveyev cautioned the situation remains fluid.
“I think Russian attacks there will continue. But as before, we’re seeing a clear and well-judged response to the threat from the Ukrainians. They conserve their strength to use it at a critical moment and improve their position,” Matveyev said.
He added that Kupyansk’s defenses are now more resilient, though the threat remains.
The attempt to encircle the city ended in failure for Russia’s military, while Ukrainian forces again showed they can respond quickly and effectively to critical threats.
