Second 'liberation' of Kupiansk: Ukrainian Forces respond with irony to Russian general’s claims
Illustrative photo: Russian general claimed to have taken Kupiansk (Getty Images)
The Ukrainian Armed Forces responded with irony to the latest claims by a Russian general about the "liberation" of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region. The city remains under Ukrainian control, where operations are underway to clear out Russian soldiers, states Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Joint Forces Group, during a national telethon live broadcast.
"He (General Sergey Kuzovlyov) has already 'liberated' Kupiansk once. Now he’s planning to 'liberate' it again. Apparently, he wants another 'hero of Russia' (award - ed.)," the spokesperson said ironically, adding that such statements are only possible in "an alternative reality that does not follow the laws of logic."
According to Trehubov, Russian forces are unable to break into the city itself. Despite the recorded buildup of troops and attempts to advance, they have so far been unsuccessful.
"Their presence in the city is quickly disappearing. Currently, only several dozen individuals are hiding in basements, and this number is decreasing," he emphasized.
The spokesperson added that effective supply for the Russian troops is becoming impossible, which will lead to their complete disappearance from the area.
At the same time, he called Russian Telegram channels’ claims of an "offensive from Kupiansk" absurd, as the forces remaining in the city are effectively encircled.
Previously, Russian military commanders had already claimed to have "taken" the city, but these assertions were not confirmed on the battlefield.
Ukrainian forces have repeatedly reported a difficult but controlled situation in this direction, while the Russian side continues to spread contradictory and unreliable statements.
Situation in Kupiansk
The Joint Forces Group has already refuted Russian propaganda claims of alleged control over Kupiansk.
Viktor Trehubov previously stated that the clearing of Kupiansk from Russian forces could take several more weeks, as isolated pockets of Russian troops remain in the city. On December 12, Russian units were encircled, despite Kremlin claims that the city had been "liberated twice."
Ukrainian defense forces conducted a successful counterattack, blocking at least 200 Russian troops and liberating the Yuvileynyi residential area. During the operation, which had been prepared since autumn, the Russian forces lost over a thousand soldiers killed, and their reinforcement routes to the city were cut off.
Active fighting continues in Kupiansk, while Ukrainian forces now control about 90% of the city’s territory.
