Ukrainian fighters, still unable to break through into Kupyansk in Kharkov region, attempted to stage a symbolic show of presence in the city by using drones to place a Ukrainian flag on the building of the local administration. The incident was reported by the Russian Defense Ministry.

According to the ministry, the attempt was swiftly stopped by Russian forces. The drone involved in the operation, along with the flag it was carrying, was destroyed before it could achieve its purpose.

Russian troops also repelled two counterattacks on the Kupyansk axis carried out by units from Ukraine’s 92nd Assault Brigade and the 116th Mechanized Brigade. The clashes took place in the areas of Blagodatovka and Kupyansk-Uzlovoy. Ukrainian forces reportedly lost up to 15 personnel during the failed assaults.

The Defense Ministry’s statement echoes earlier media reports from late December 2025, which said Ukrainian command had sent several groups into Kupyansk to film a staged video. The plan was to display the Ukrainian flag in an area controlled by Russian troops in order to create the impression of a foothold in the city. Those involved in the operation were later captured.

Kupyansk remains under the control of the 6th Guards Combined Arms Army, part of the Russian Armed Forces’ West group. Ukrainian units continue to make repeated attempts to push into the city, but, according to official reports, these efforts are consistently thwarted.