Recent statements from Ukrainian military officials indicate that Russian troops are still present in Kupiansk, contrary to earlier assertions. Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Joint Forces Group, clarified this during a telethon on May 21.
“I must refute the statement from ‘Khartiya’—unfortunately, that is simply untrue. There has been a misquote. The enemy’s units are still in the city. Their numbers are minimal, but they are indeed there,” Trehubov stated.
He noted that Russian forces are exerting pressure on the eastern bank of the Oskil River and attempting to infiltrate areas north of the city. “While their current efforts are ineffective and do not reach the city, there are still a few remnants within Kupiansk, as well as some individuals who managed to infiltrate about a month ago through a pipe,” he explained.
Trehubov estimated that the total number of Russian troops in the area could be around twenty or possibly several dozen. He mentioned that seven unique call signs had been recorded in the city, but emphasized that each call sign might represent multiple soldiers, as not every soldier has access to a radio.
Regarding other fronts, Trehubov reported increased pressure from Russian forces in the Lyman area, particularly near Borova. He remarked that Russian claims of success in that region have been grossly exaggerated.
On a more positive note, Trehubov described the situation in the Velykoburlutskyi direction as favorable, with Russian troops effectively pushed back to the border. “They have lost two settlements in the last month, the latest being Odradne, which we previously reported. The Velykoburlutskyi area has reverted to the conditions that existed about a year ago, prior to when the Russians managed to establish a control zone there. Now that control zone has essentially disappeared,” he said.
Additionally, he mentioned that Russian forces continue to apply pressure in the Vovchansk direction, trying to solidify their position in the Vovchansk Khutory area. In the Sumy region, they are no longer advancing but are attempting to secure their current positions in the border area.
Earlier reports from Suspilne Kharkiv, citing the commander of the third company of the first battalion of ‘Khartiya’, indicated that there were no Russian military units in Kupiansk as of May 18.
Ukrainian military spokesperson Viktor Trehubov confirmed the ongoing presence of Russian troops in Kupiansk, countering previous claims of their withdrawal. He detailed the current military dynamics in various regions, noting both challenges and successes in the ongoing conflict.