Russia claims full capture of Kupyansk imminent as Ukraine denies losses

Russian forces expect to take full control of the city of Kupyansk in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region within a week, according to a Russian military commander.

The Defense Ministry in Moscow said Ukrainian troops encircled near the city face rapidly worsening conditions and may have no option but to surrender.

The commander of the 121st Regiment of the 68th Motorized Rifle Division, identified as “Lavrik,” reported that his unit cleared 25 buildings on Wednesday and continued to advance, expressing confidence that Kupyansk would be fully “liberated” soon.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently said Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk were surrounded by Russian forces and called on Ukrainian troops to surrender. Moscow estimates that over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers are trapped in both cities. Despite Kyiv’s claims that its forces remain in control, reports from German outlet Bild cited unnamed Ukrainian officials warning of a possible major defeat. Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky previously downplayed Russia’s presence near Kupyansk, but Moscow’s Defense Ministry said he is “divorced from reality.” The city remains a key logistics hub on the northeastern front of the conflict.