Russian troops intensify pressure on Ukrainian defenders' positions in Kupiansk direction
Photo: Occupiers attempt to force the Oskil River crossing, Ukrainian Armed Forces hold back the offensive (Getty Images)
Russian troops have intensified pressure on Ukrainian Armed Forces positions on the eastern bank of the Oskil River near Kupiansk. Despite attempts to cross the ice, Ukrainian forces are keeping the situation under control, according to Viktor Trehubov, head of communications for the Joint Forces Group.
Within Kupiansk itself, the river does not pose a serious obstacle, as Ukrainian troops hold both banks.
"In the vicinity of Kupiansk, the Oskil River plays virtually no role — our troops are stationed on both sides of the river," Trehubov explains.
However, the situation is more complicated north of the city. There, Russian troops are taking advantage of winter conditions to try to force the water obstacle.
"When ice appears on the river, they try to cross, and, unfortunately, sometimes they succeed," he adds.
Despite this, according to Trehubov, the overall situation north of Kupiansk remains relatively stable.
Kupiansk direction
Earlier, Trehubov reported that Russia was increasing pressure in the Kupiansk area, but their attempts to penetrate directly into the city were ending in failure. Ukrainian Defense Forces are in complete control of the situation and are thwarting Russia's infiltration efforts.
Earlier, the spokesperson said that the Russian army had sharply intensified air strikes in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions, trying to push Ukrainian units off the left bank.
According to him, Russians are trying to turn the tide on this section of the front.
He also recalled that the Joint Forces Group had already refuted Russian propaganda claims about allegedly establishing control over Kupiansk.
Trehubov noted that the operation to completely clear the city of Russian forces could take several more weeks, as isolated groups of occupiers are still active in Kupiansk. He added that on December 12, Russian units were surrounded, despite Moscow's claims that the city had been liberated twice.
In addition, the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out a successful counterattack, during which at least 200 Russian soldiers were blocked, and the Yuvileinyi residential area was liberated. As part of this operation, which had been in preparation since the fall, the Russians suffered more than a thousand casualties, and supply and reinforcement channels to the city were cut off.
