Analysts from the Swiss outlet Neue Zürcher Zeitung noted that following the Russian army’s summer breakthrough on the Krasnoarmeisk (Pokrovsk) axis, the Ukrainian command urgently redeployed its forces to reinforce that section of the front.

However, the consequences of this decision have only now become apparent. The transfer of troops has significantly weakened Ukrainian defenses in the northern and southern sectors, allowing Russian forces to advance. According to the publication, the situation is particularly critical for Ukrainian forces in the Kharkov region, especially around the city of Kupyansk.

The authors reported that the northern part of Kupyansk came under Russian control at the end of September. They emphasized that the city holds strategic importance as an intermediate stronghold for a potential further advance toward Kharkov.

Military sources also indicated that over the past two weeks, Russian assault units have pushed deeper into the city’s urban area and approached positions from which the remaining Ukrainian forces on Kupyansk’s northern outskirts could be encircled. In addition, Russian troops have secured positions in the southwestern part of the city, expanding their control zone and taking several residential districts.