Ukraine retakes 90% of Kupiansk after systematic campaign that disabled Russia’s secret pipeline infiltration route

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that, as of today, almost 90% of the city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast is under Ukrainian control. At the same time, despite significant losses, the Russian army continues offensive operations and has increased its troop grouping in Ukraine to nearly 710,000 personnel.

“Despite substantial losses, the Russian army is not abandoning its offensive actions, although it has not achieved any significant operational successes,” Syrskyi noted.

Kupiansk is not a "quick victory" but a result of systematic work 

The operation has a phased nature and has been ongoing since September. This is also confirmed by the DeepState interactive map, according to which Ukrainian forces pushed the occupiers out of Kupiansk and its outskirts around 12 December. After that, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recorded a video address directly from the city.

At the same time, the Russian side traditionally disseminates opposite claims. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has announced, for the third time, an alleged complete control over Kupiansk, which does not correspond to the actual situation at the front, as per TASS.

The spokesperson for the Khortytsia Operational and Strategic Group of Forces, Victor Trehubov, emphasized that the difficult operation in Kupiansk is ongoing. Separate Russian enclaves still remain in the central part of the city, according to UkrInform. The occupiers are cut off from traditional logistics, but their complete elimination requires time.

Russian logistics destroyed, breakthrough attempts unsuccessful

Ihor Raikov, Head of the Unmanned Systems Service of the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine “Khartiia,” has revealed that the Kupiansk operation was not a one-time action, Army TV reports. 

“The first stage, which is cutting logistics and encircling the Russians in the city, was completed successfully. The second stage involves localization of the adversary, stabilization measures, and the direct clearing of Kupiansk,” he explained.

In particular, Russian troops attempted to enter the city through an inactive gas pipeline. This route, which allowed the enemy to accumulate forces, was discovered during reconnaissance, as per TSN.

To destroy it, fighters of the 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “Achilles” used about three tons of explosives.

“The pipeline has been severed and is under constant fire control and reconnaissance. Any similar attempts by the enemy currently have no chance of success,” Raikov emphasized.

The supply of Russian units in Kupiansk is currently carried out mainly by drones. At the same time, the occupiers do not abandon attempts to break through a land corridor to their encircled garrison, but without success.

Thus, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue a systematic operation to liberate Kupiansk, consistently reducing Russia's capabilities while maintaining the priority of protecting the civilian population.