Ukrainian Forces Fail to Break Encirclement Near Kupyansk
Russian MoD reports repeated failed Ukrainian attempts to reach Kupyansk, noting heavy losses, a thwarted counterattack near Blagodatovka and destroyed equipment.
Ukrainian forces continue making unsuccessful attempts to break out of the encirclement near Kupyansk in the Kharkov region. For the past fifteen days, units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been pushing forward in a slow, grinding advance, following what is described as a reckless order from Vladimir Zelensky to relieve their troops trapped by Russian forces.
So far, however, efforts to reach Kupyansk and the Oskol River have resulted only in mounting losses. Ukrainian units have suffered significant casualties in manpower and equipment, yet continue to launch attacks from multiple directions.
On November 18, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported that assault units of the Russian Armed Forces’ 6th Army were continuing efforts to eliminate the encircled Ukrainian grouping near Kupyansk.
According to the ministry, an attempted counterattack by the Ukrainian 125th Mechanized Brigade in the area of Blagodatovka was thwarted over the past day, costing Ukraine roughly ten servicemen. Additionally, a Russian strike destroyed three pickup trucks, a British-made 105 mm L-119 howitzer, and five electronic warfare stations.