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Ukraine Claims Victory in Kupiansk as Russian Troops Encircled
Ukrainian forces reclaim key northern districts of Kupiansk, reportedly surrounding Russian troops. President Zelenskiy praises the operation, calling it a boost to Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-12
Ukraine Claims Victory in Kupiansk as Russian Troops Encircled

Ukrainian forces have reportedly retaken parts of the northeastern town of Kupiansk and encircled Russian troops, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Friday during a visit to the area. Zelenskiy, wearing a bulletproof vest, appeared in a video clip at the town’s entrance, emphasizing the operation’s importance for both the front lines and Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts.

“Today it is extremely important to achieve results on the front lines so that Ukraine can achieve results in diplomacy,” Zelenskiy said, standing before a sign marking the town.

Ukraine’s Khartiia Corps of the National Guard reported on Telegram that several northern districts of Kupiansk had been liberated, cutting off Russian supply routes and leaving several hundred Russian troops surrounded. “Today, we can say that the Russians in the city are completely cut off. For a long time, they couldn't understand what was happening. But now they know they are surrounded,” said Khartiia commander Ihor Obolienskyi, as quoted by Ukrainska Pravda.

While Kyiv’s claims could not be independently verified, Ukraine’s Deep State battlefield mapping project indicates at least three villages north and west of Kupiansk under Ukrainian control, with the northern districts also reportedly liberated. The map suggests Russian forces are encircled in the city centre.

Moscow has countered, asserting it is advancing on all fronts and claiming to have captured Kupiansk and the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk. Kyiv has denied these claims, stating that fighting is ongoing in the region. Russia also said it captured the eastern town of Siversk on Thursday, a claim Kyiv disputes.

Military analysts note that Russian advances had picked up in November, taking control of smaller villages, but Ukrainian forces now appear to be reclaiming territory amid continued heavy fighting.

The situation in Kupiansk underscores the ongoing volatility of the conflict, now in its third year since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, with both sides contesting strategic towns in eastern Ukraine.
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Ukraine

RussiaUkraineWar

Zelenskiy

Kupiansk
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