“Reality speaks for itself”: Zelenskyy visits Kupiansk as Ukraine traps remaining Russian forces

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used a visit to the Kupiansk sector on Friday to link battlefield gains with Ukraine’s diplomatic position, saying progress on the ground is essential for strengthening Kyiv’s leverage in talks to end the war.

Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast has been one of the most active sectors of the front this year, as Russian forces pushed toward the city through the autumn and Ukrainian troops mounted a coordinated response to halt the advance and retake territory.

In his address, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian units had disproved Russian claims of capturing the city. “The Russians kept going on about Kupiansk – the reality speaks for itself,” he said. He added that “achieving results on the frontline is crucial so that Ukraine can achieve results in diplomacy.”

Ukrainian forces report encircling Russian troops

His comments come as Ukrainian commanders report new gains around Kupiansk. Units from the National Guard’s Khartia Corps say they have encircled the remaining Russian contingent inside the city, cut all ground supply routes, and retaken districts in the north along with nearby villages. 

The move follows months of fighting after a Russian breakthrough in September pushed deep toward the area.

Kupiansk: A city seized, liberated, and contested again

Kupiansk, a logistical point in Kharkiv Oblast, was seized by Russia in early 2022 and retaken by Ukrainian forces later that year. It remained under pressure through 2024-2025 as Russian forces launched new assaults and briefly entered parts of the city. 

Street battles continue in central Kupiansk, where Ukrainian forces are clearing remaining Russian positions. Commanders say progress is cautious because civilians are still in the area, and note that repeated Russian attempts to break out have failed.

The current operation grew out of a coordinated push by units brought together to halt the Russian incursion. They advanced to the Oskil River, liberated the villages Radkivka and Kindrashivka, and destroyed several Russian formations during October and November, while cutting all ground access and forcing remaining Russian troops to rely on drone drops for supplies.