“Today – the Kupyansk direction, our soldiers who are achieving results for Ukraine here. Many Russians talked about Kupyansk – and we see. I was there, I congratulated the guys. I thank every unit, all those who fight here, all those who destroy the occupier,” Zelensky wrote. He published the video on social media.
According to the Ukrainian president, “today it is extremely important to achieve results on the front so that Ukraine can achieve results in diplomacy. This is how it works: all our strong positions inside the country are strong positions in the talks on ending the war.”
The article continues below the video
Where exactly was Volodymyr Zelensky?
Why is Zelensky's presence in Kupyansk considered a bold move?
How many Russian soldiers were killed by Ukrainian soldiers?
What did Zelensky say about the results at the front?
“Thank you to every soldier! I am proud of you! Thank you to all our Ground Forces – today is only your day. Thank you, guys,” Zelensky emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelensky right next to Russian positions
Zelensky's presence in Kupiansk was noticed. “In one of the boldest and most audacious moves in modern history, Volodymyr Zelensky appears in Kupyansk – just 2 km from the nearest Russian position” – comments Bild journalist Julian Roepcke.
“Zelensky in Kupiansk. Yes, the same Kupyansk that Gerasimov told Putin about two weeks ago was already “occupied” and Ukrainian troops were surrounded. I remind you: never believe anything that comes from Russia,” emphasizes analyst Maria Avdeeva.
Meanwhile, activist Inna Shevchenko sums up: “Trump keeps repeating that Russia will take Donbas within a few months. Putin announces the 'conquest' of Kupyansk. Ukrainians are still fighting for their country. Today they are announcing an important move. And Zelensky responds to Putin and Trump with a selfie from Kupiansk“.
On Thursday, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine assured in a message on Facebook that the city of Kupyansk in the Kharkiv Oblast, in the north-east of the country, is still under the control of Ukrainian forces. “Kupiansk is under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Counter-subversive operations are underway in the city and its surroundings, as well as searching for and destroying enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups that have infiltrated the city,” the Ukrainian General Staff reported at the time.
About the fact that Russian forces took control of Kupiansk and allegedly occupied 80 percent. Volchanovsk, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, previously reported.
Successful Ukrainian counterattack
The commander of the corps fighting near Kupiansk said in an interview with “Ukraińska Pravda” that Ukrainian soldiers have already eliminated over 1,000 people. Russian soldiers, and there should be no more than 200 Russians in the city itself.
“Currently, they are using all their reserves and trying to break through the defense. But we see them all and eliminate them. By the way, we note many foreigners, especially from Syria and African countries,” says Ihor Obolenski.
The portal adds that all routes to the city have been secured. Supplies for the occupiers are sent only by drones.
