Russian forces continue assault on Kupiansk in eastern Ukraine but advance slows
Attack through Holubivka did not work as enemy planned (photo: Getty Images)
Russian troops are not stopping attempts to advance on Kupiansk from the northern side. However, their actions are now bringing fewer results than they promised themselves, Joint Forces Group spokesman Viktor Trehubov said.
What is happening near Kupiansk
The enemy is trying to break through to the city through Holubivka. However, for now, this is not having the effect Russians expected.
"They are trying to push the city from the north, pressure it through Holubivka, just now with less effectiveness than they could have hoped before. Situation in this regard remains stable, only effectiveness is decreasing," Trehubov noted.
According to a spokesman, small groups of Russian troops are still present directly in Kupiansk. Pressure on the city from the north continues.
Trehubov explained why the enemy continues moving troops even without a real result.
"They defined for themselves in promises and reports that there is progress in a certain direction, and even if it actually does not exist, they are simply trying to demonstrate it, at least by movement of troops," he said.
Such a situation, according to Trehubov, is characteristic not only for Kupiansk but for the entire Kharkiv region.
He noted that Russian maps and statements often do not match reality in Lyman, Kupiansk, and Southern-Slobozhanskyi directions.
Meanwhile, analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) found out how Russian forces used the three-day ceasefire. Instead of a pause, Russians secretly redeployed troops and intensified attacks with new types of drones.
According to the ISW assessment, Russian troops failed to achieve any significant breakthrough on the front over the past year, while the Armed Forces of Ukraine increased successes during the winter and spring of 2026.
