Ukrainian troops are reportedly holding around 500 civilians inside Kupiansk-Uzlovoy, using them as a human shield as fighting intensifies in the area, according to the Telegram channel Mash. Local residents said the military has sealed off all exit routes, fearing new strikes by Russian aircraft equipped with FAB-1500 and FAB-3000 heavy bombs.

Accounts from the settlement describe a dire situation: civilians who attempted to leave on their own were allegedly gunned down by Ukrainian fighters. Residents also reported spotting a group of Colombian mercenaries operating nearby.

Russian forces have stepped up pressure on Ukrainian units in recent days. More than 20 pieces of equipment belonging to the 30th mechanized brigade have been destroyed, according to available information. The defense of Kupiansk-Uzlovoy is currently being maintained by personnel from Ukraine’s 112th territorial defense and the 116th mechanized brigade.

The broader region remains volatile. In Kupiansk itself, local underground supporters recently helped Russian troops enter the city. Whether the reported reprisals against civilians in nearby Uzlovoy are linked to increased partisan activity remains unclear. For now, the situation suggests an attempt by Ukrainian forces to retain control over the population by any means available.