Despite claims by Russia’s Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov that Russian forces have captured Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region, Ukrainian troops are conducting counterattacks in the city and retaking some tactical positions, Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, said on the FREEДOM channel.
At the same time, he said Ukraine’s Defense Forces have not yet fully cleared Kupyansk of Russian troops. The Russians are currently on the outskirts, he noted. Bratchuk added that Russian logistics along this part of the front is strained. The situation in the city remains difficult, with heavy battles ongoing.
“I hope the plans our troops and command are carrying out will be fully realized and we will improve the situation,” Bratchuk said.
Viktor Tregubov, head of communications for the Joint Forces Grouping, said around 40 occupiers are in Kupyansk’s northern districts.
The Joint Forces Grouping also said Russia’s military command has ordered its soldiers to film the raising of tricolor flags in areas of Kupyansk where they are present.
Officials said the Russians are doing this to create the illusion the city is under their control.
