Units of the Russian Armed Forces are steadily expanding their offensive along the Kupyansk axis, advancing almost daily. On the morning of February 16, military sources reported another tactical gain on the left bank of the Oskol River in Kharkov Region, south of Kupyansk.

After suppressing Ukrainian resistance, Russian troops secured the northern section of the large settlement of Kurilovka. The area in question is Kurilovka-1, a neighborhood through which a key roadway runs toward Kupyansk.

Kurilovka and its district Kurilovka-1 effectively form the eastern outskirts of Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, where fighting has not subsided. Ukrainian forces are attempting to retain at least part of their positions on the left bank of the Oskol, but the territory under their control continues to shrink.

Russian forces have also taken control of the central part of Kurilovka, including the building of the local village council. A substantial portion of the remaining area of the settlement remains contested and is currently described as a «gray zone».

Further south, clashes persist on the northeastern edge of the urban-type settlement of Kovsharovka, which had a population of around 20,000 prior to 2022. Combat is also ongoing in Kupyansk itself.