Putin briefed on the capture of Kupyansk

President Vladimir Putin visited a command post of the ‘West’ group. Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to the head of state that the Russian army had taken Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region. The Ukrainian Armed Forces were not allowed to break out of the city. A total of 15 Ukrainian army battalions are blocked in the Kupyansk area. Additionally, the ‘West’ troops have taken Petropavlivka and are engaging in battles for Kucherivka, Kurilovka, and Kupyansk-Uzlovoy. Around 80% of Volchansk has been taken. The group commander reported that the troops are actively advancing towards Krasnohorivka. President Putin noted that all tasks assigned to the ‘West’ group during the meeting on October 25 have been accomplished. Russia has also gained control of 13 settlements in the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Approximately 70% of Krasnoarmiysk (Pokrovsk) is under Russian control. The ‘South’ group soldiers have successfully seized the eastern and southeastern parts of Konstantinivka. An offensive is ongoing north of Kleban-Byksk reservoir, while an operation in Ivanopil is nearing completion. Russia controlled Kupyansk from February 27 to September 16, 2022, serving as the administrative center of a part of the Kharkiv region under Russian influence. The battles for the city resumed in October 2024.