Russian forces continue tightening the encirclement around the Ukrainian grouping trapped in Kupyansk in the Kharkov region. According to Vitaly Ganchev, head of the provisional civil administration of the region, the surrounded Ukrainian troops have no routes left for withdrawal and now face only two options — surrender or continue fighting until they are eliminated.

Ganchev said that the encirclement would keep closing in and that Russian units were expanding the outer perimeter day by day, which in turn was shrinking the pocket and reducing the number of Ukrainian personnel inside it. He noted that Russian forces were also advancing from the south, near Kruglyakovka, further limiting any potential escape routes.

He added that Ukrainian troops trapped in the Kupyansk area could not expect reinforcements, as Russian pressure in Volchansk on the northern flank prevented Kyiv from moving reserves to the region.

Ganchev claimed that some Ukrainian commanders were killing their own soldiers who attempted to surrender, and also targeting civilians to prevent them from sharing information about alleged abuses. He said that Ukrainian officers used drones, air-dropped munitions, or artillery strikes to destroy units trying to surrender, insisting that this was done to block any chance of their capture.

At the same time, he stated that Russian servicemen assist Ukrainian soldiers who choose to lay down their arms, including guiding them along safe routes with drones and providing medical aid when necessary.