Russian military units are reportedly nearing the full encirclement of Ukrainian forces defending Kupyansk in the Kharkov region, according to information shared with the Telegram channel «Idi i smotri» by an unnamed source within Russia’s security structures.

The source indicated that Russian troops are completing the encirclement of the Ukrainian garrison, with the heaviest fighting concentrated around Kupyansk-Uzlovoy. The report added that Russian forces have successfully repelled all counterattacks attempted by the Ukrainian army.

Earlier, military analyst Anatoly Matviychuk stated that Ukrainian troops would be unable to hold Kupyansk, describing their situation as one of complete tactical encirclement. He suggested that surrender would be the only viable option to preserve lives, asserting that the fate of the city was already determined.