Ukrainian Forces have cleared Russian units from the northwestern part of Kupyansk and the city’s northern outskirts, analysts said, adding that a special operation freed 40.21 square kilometers, reported DeepState . According to DeepState, there is still a small enclave in the city center where Russian forces remain. While there are not many public reports, but DeepState said it obtained corroborating footage and decided to publish the information. According to DeepState, the operation began by severing logistics to Russian units, with Ukrainian forces seizing or placing under fire control key lines north of the city. They then pushed Russian troops off Kupyansk’s streets and out of the village of Myrne. “The operation began with establishing a blocking line and cutting the enemy garrison in the city off from its main forces. The Defense Forces moved relatively swiftly to take Radkivka and Kondrashivka, and brought Holubivka under fire control,” the note said. On DeepState’s battle map, a blue zone of 40.21 square kilometers marks terrain cleared of Russian forces. Inside Kupyansk, three red pockets remain—0.21 sq km, 0.03 sq km, and 0.15 sq km—where Russian troops are still present. DeepState listed Ukrainian units it says took part in the operation: the National Guard’s Khartia Corps, with elements of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, the Defense Intelligence directorate (GUR), Special Operations Forces, the Security Service’s “Alpha” unit, the Interior Ministry’s KORD special unit and military law enforcement, as well as the tactical grouping “Kupyansk.” Ukraine’s General Staff has not yet confirmed DeepState’s account of clearing Kupyansk—as well as Holubivka, Kondrashivka and Radkivka—of Russian forces. Update: Around 12:30 on December 12, the Khartia Corps confirmed a successful operation in Kupyansk on its Facebook page. The unit said that after the situation worsened in September, a search-and-strike group “Khartia” was formed and a plan was drawn up to push back the Russians. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi and National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Oleksandr Pivnenko took part in planning, it said. Ukrainian fighters broke through to the Oskil River and cut logistics for Russian units on the western bank, according to the post. “From September 22 to December 12, 1,027 Russian servicemen were eliminated. Two hundred are encircled. Fighting in the city center continues, but the operation’s momentum shows Ukrainian soldiers are steadily liberating Kupyansk and destroying the enemy step by step,” the statement reads. In early September, Ukrainian troops reported a Russian attempt to break through into Kupyansk. It later emerged Russian forces used a gas pipeline to move closer to the city. Artillery and drones struck the pipeline, but several Russian units made it into the town and reached central streets. On November 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Russian forces had fully occupied Kupyansk. Ukrainian commanders, analysts and troops denied the claim, while acknowledging the situation was difficult.

This is shameful.