Units of Russia’s «West» force grouping have thwarted two attempts by Ukrainian troops to break through toward Kupyansk in Kharkov Region. The update was released by the Russian Ministry of Defense on December 28.

According to the ministry, over the past day formations of the 6th Army repelled attacks by Ukraine’s 92nd Assault Brigade and 14th Mechanized Brigade near the settlements of Podoly and Nechvolodovka. Both assaults were aimed at forcing a breakthrough into Kupyansk.

During these clashes, Russian forces destroyed up to 15 Ukrainian servicemen and a T-64 tank. The Defense Ministry also reported broader losses suffered by Ukrainian units within the area of responsibility of the «West» grouping over the same period. These included more than 200 personnel, two M113 armored personnel carriers, three armored combat vehicles, and ten pickup trucks. Five Ukrainian ammunition depots were also destroyed.

A day earlier, the ministry stated that Kupyansk remains under the control of the «West» grouping. The grouping’s press center said that units of the 6th Army continue to successfully suppress all Ukrainian attempts to push toward the city.

At the same time, military correspondents report that Ukrainian forces are maintaining a heavy counteroffensive effort against Kupyansk in an attempt to regain control of the city. According to these reports, Russian troops are repelling repeated attacks along several sections of the Kupyansk front. The assaults are being carried out both by previously prepared Ukrainian reserves and by brigades redeployed from other areas.

Correspondents also note that Ukrainian forces have been exploiting poor weather conditions for several days, which complicate the effective use of drones by Russian troops. Despite this, Ukrainian command is said to continue relying primarily on infantry assaults, with troops approaching the front line using cars and motorcycles.