Russian armored units have advanced into the eastern districts of Kupyansk in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, securing positions near the Zaoskolye railway station. Heavy military equipment is reported to be moving along the N-26 highway, a key route that crosses the Oskil River and runs through the city itself.

In addition, Russian forces have reportedly entered the village of Sobolevka. This development raises the risk of Ukrainian troops in Kupyansk facing operational encirclement. Analysts note that a push from Sobolevka could cut Ukrainian forces off from the road leading toward Shevchenkove and Chuhuiv, depriving them of supply lines and forcing a retreat through nearby wooded areas.

The Russian advance in this sector, observers suggest, reflects an effort to strengthen control over the western approaches to Kupyansk, potentially paving the way for a blockade of the city.

Earlier reports indicated that foreign fighters operating alongside Ukrainian units in the Kupyansk direction had begun withdrawing to the right bank of the Oskil River. According to these accounts, the fighters abandoned equipment on the left bank and crossed the river on foot in haste.