Russian forces using clever tactics to seize Ukraine's Kupiansk, military says
Photo: Locals identify saboteurs by their voice and appearance (Getty Images)
The occupation of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region is a strategic goal for Russian forces in the area. They are partially succeeding in breaking through toward the town, said Oleksii Bielskyi, spokesperson for the Dnipro Operational-Strategic Grouping of Troops.
Bielskyi stressed that as of September 15, Russian troops have not entered the city, but infiltration attempts are ongoing.
"Officially, the Russians have not entered, but there are sabotage groups. Their tactic of disguising violates the laws of war, but it is successful for them," the spokesperson said.
According to him, Russian forces are trying to amass forces on the northern outskirts of the city, using both civilian clothing and forged documents.
"Unfortunately, many locals did not want to evacuate and remained under bombardment. The infiltrators are conducting counter-sabotage operations, sweeping the districts of Kupiansk, working in the districts of Kupiansk," Bielskyi added.
Locals are able to identify Russians by their speech or distinct eastern facial features. The spokesperson also noted that a gas pipeline, which Russian forces used to enter Kupiansk’s northern outskirts, is under Ukrainian fire control.
Earlier, Russian troops had used underground pipelines to bypass Ukrainian defensive positions in Avdiivka, Donetsk region, in January 2024, and in Sudzha, Kursk region, in March 2025.
Russian forces are again using gas pipelines to move into Kupiansk, allowing them to cross the Oskil River.
Ukraine’s General Staff stated that Russian forces are being captured when they attempt to crawl through the pipes.
For more on Russia’s plans to seize Kupiansk in the near future, see the material by RBC-Ukraine.
