Russians try to sneak into Kupiansk through pipeline, but fail
Foo: The General Staff spoke about the fighting in the Kupiansk area (Getty Images)
The occupiers are using a pipeline near Kupiansk to try to enter the city. The pipeline’s exit does not lead directly into the city and remains under the control of Ukrainian defenders, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The statement notes that the situation in Kupiansk and its surroundings remains under Ukrainian control, although the enemy continues attempting to amass forces on the northern outskirts of the city.
"The exit from the pipeline that the enemy used to move personnel toward Kupiansk is under the control of Ukrainian defenders. The pipeline does not lead directly into the city," the report reads.
The General Staff notes that there are several pipelines in the Kupiansk area. Three of the four lines have already been damaged and flooded, while the exit of the fourth remains under the control of the Defense Forces.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine report that a counter-sabotage operation is underway in Kupiansk, with search-and-strike actions taking place around the city.
According to the General Staff, enemy losses over the first two weeks of the operation have reached 395 personnel, including 288 irrecoverable. Approaching Kupiansk, in the areas of Radkivka and Holubivka, Ukrainian forces eliminated a total of 265 Russian soldiers, and another 128 in the city area itself.
"Additionally, enemy personnel are being captured, adding to the exchange pool and providing testimony that will be used against the occupiers," the General Staff added.
Photo: Kupiansk on the battle map (deepstatemap.live)
Fighting in the Kupiansk area
Kupiansk in Kharkiv region was under Russian occupation and was liberated in the fall of 2022 during the Kharkiv counteroffensive.
Recently, DeepState analysts reported that Russians allegedly entered Kupiansk through a gas pipeline. Footage circulated online showing the occupiers supposedly advancing through the pipeline. The enemy has used this tactic before during the capture of Avdiivka and Sudzha.
The head of the Kupiansk District Military Administration, Andrii Kanashevych, denied that Russians had entered Kupiansk. According to him, the situation in the city remains difficult.
"Actually, DeepState is jumping the gun. There are no Russians in Kupiansk. Fighting is indeed ongoing in the outskirts – that’s a neighboring community," he said.
