Russian army units have reportedly advanced on the right bank of the Oskol River north of Kupyansk, taking advantage of what military sources describe as a reckless decision by Ukrainian command.

According to the reports, Kyiv sought to demonstrate that a sizeable Ukrainian force still remains on the left bank of the Oskol and is capable of offensive action, supported by units positioned on the right bank. To carry out an attack, Ukrainian troops were redeployed from an area west of the Dvurechnaya-Zapadnoye line in the Kharkov region and pushed toward Kupyansk.

As Ukrainian units moved through the area near Dolgenkoye, Russian forces seized the opportunity and struck from the flank. The maneuver reportedly allowed Russian troops to advance roughly three kilometers and take control of the southern part of the settlement of Kutkovka.

Earlier, after intense fighting, Ukrainian forces had managed to push Russian units away from a key highway leading toward Velikiy Burluk. Now, Russian troops are said to be regaining lost ground and once again narrowing the distance to that strategic road.

The situation around Kupyansk continues to resemble a tactical back-and-forth, with both sides trying to exploit the other’s mistakes for an edge on the battlefield. This time, the advantage appears to have shifted toward Russian forces.

Should Russian units reach the highway toward Velikiy Burluk, Ukrainian troops may be forced to regroup and search for new defensive options.