Russian armed forces have managed to penetrate briefly into the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kupyansk, AFP reported, citing local authorities.
Kupyansk, which lies east of Kharkiv, was captured by Russia shortly after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but the Ukrainian army retook it in a counter-offensive later that year.
The brief Russian breakthrough in Kupyansk comes against the background of the progress of Russian forces on the eastern front in recent months, which has also accelerated since October, according to AFP, quoted by BTA.
“Yesterday the situation was really very difficult - with repeated Russian attacks,” Andriy Besedin, head of the municipal military administration, told AFP.
He assured that after Russian infantrymen managed to “infiltrate” the city, they were “destroyed”, along with the vehicles they used.
“Today, the situation in the city of Kupyansk and the municipality is under control, there are no Russian troops or equipment,” added Besedin.
The Ukrainian army also assured that Kupyansk is fully under the control of its forces.
In recent months, Ukrainian authorities have issued several mandatory evacuation orders for civilians as Russian troops once again close in on Kupyansk and surrounding areas.
“Since September 2022, the enemy has been trying to capture the city and the municipality, but to no avail,” Besedin said and expressed confidence that Ukrainian forces would be able to hold Kupyansk.
According to Besedin, about 4,000 civilians still live in Kupyansk and its surroundings.
How might the recent developments in Kupyansk affect the morale of Ukrainian forces and their defensive strategies?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Military Expert on the Situation in Kupyansk
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re diving deep into the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, particularly focusing on recent developments in the northeastern city of Kupyansk. Joining us is Dr. Igor Petrov, a military strategy expert with extensive experience analyzing the dynamics of this conflict. Thank you for being here, Dr. Petrov.
Dr. Igor Petrov (IP): Thank you for having me. It’s important to discuss these developments, as they greatly impact the region and the broader geopolitical landscape.
TNE: Let’s get right to it. We’ve heard reports that Russian armed forces have managed to penetrate Kupyansk briefly. Can you explain the significance of this maneuver?
IP: Absolutely. Kupyansk is strategically important because it sits east of Kharkiv, acting as a critical supply route. When Russia captured it early in the invasion in February 2022, it was a significant gain. However, the Ukrainian counter-offensive successfully retook it, demonstrating a crucial turnaround in the war’s dynamics.
TNE: So, why is this recent incursion concerning, especially after the Ukrainians had established control over the city?
IP: It highlights a few key points. First, it shows that Russian forces are still capable of launching operations into contested areas, indicating they have maintained some level of operational capability despite losses elsewhere. Second, it raises concerns about the Ukrainian defensive positions. If Russia can breach these defenses, it could lead to increased pressure on Ukrainian forces and affect their morale.
TNE: That is quite alarming. What can we infer about the potential next steps for both sides based on this situation?
IP: For Russia, this incursion could be a tactic to test Ukrainian defenses and gather intelligence on their positions. If successful, it might encourage further operations in the region. For Ukraine, this is a wake-up call to possibly bolster their defensive measures around Kupyansk and reassess their overall strategy in the northeast.
TNE: In terms of international response, what implications does this have?
IP: The international community will be closely watching. This incident could galvanize Western support for Ukraine, prompting more military aid to bolster the country’s defenses. Conversely, Russia may interpret a lack of response as a green light to pursue further aggressive actions.
TNE: What message does this send to the Ukrainian people and soldiers who have fought hard to reclaim territories?
IP: It’s a complex message. On one hand, it can be disheartening to see a place that was hard-won become contested again. On the other, it serves as a rallying point – a reminder that the struggle to maintain territorial integrity is ongoing. Leadership and effective communication about resilience are crucial here.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for your insights. As the situation in Kupyansk develops, it will undoubtedly be a focal point in the broader narrative of the conflict. We appreciate your expertise in helping us understand these nuances.
IP: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep the dialogue going as these events unfold.
TNE: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay with us for ongoing updates on this situation and more from the frontlines of the Ukraine conflict.