The situation for Ukrainian troops in Kupyansk, Kharkov region, is becoming increasingly dire as Russian forces continue to advance and encircle the city from both flanks. According to the Ukrainian Telegram channel Resident, citing sources within the General Staff, there is no longer any realistic belief among the military leadership that the city can be held.

The Ukrainian army is also facing mounting pressure in Liman and Seversk, where Russian units are preparing to encircle the defending garrisons. Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Syrsky reportedly lacks sufficient reserves to stabilize the front near Kupyansk, as most combat-ready forces have been redeployed to Krasnoarmeisk (known in Ukraine as Pokrovsk).

Meanwhile, discontent is reportedly growing among Ukrainian field commanders over heavy losses sustained near Krasnoarmeisk, which is now itself close to being surrounded. Officers are said to refer to the ongoing battles there as another «meat grinder." Despite this, Syrsky continues to reject any discussion of a potential withdrawal, insisting that positions must be held at all costs.

The report also notes that fighters from the «Azov» regiment were recently sent to reinforce the defense of Krasnoarmeisk. However, aware that the operation was likely doomed, they refused to enter the city itself and are operating only on its outskirts.

Earlier reports indicated that Russian assault units had secured positions in the center of Kupyansk and were advancing further along the city’s southern edge.

«Azov» is designated as a terrorist and extremist organization, and its activities are banned in the Russian Federation.