Russian soldiers, disguised in uniforms similar to those of Ukrainian forces, attempted to infiltrate the city of Kupiansklocated on the front line in northern Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities have reported that the attack, which began last Wednesday and was repelled by local troops, took place in four waves before Russian soldiers were expelled on Thursday.
Captain Andrii Kovaliov, spokesman for the Ukrainian army, describes the Russian strategy as a violation of the laws of war, that “wearing uniforms similar to those of the Armed Forces of Ukraine constitutes a war crime“.
Kupiansk, a major railway hub in northern Ukraine, has come under intensified attacks due to its strategic value. Experts highlight that, Had Russia managed to capture the city, it would have been able to advance westwards.expanding its offensive towards the Kharkiv region, already under military pressure.
Ukrainian resistance
During the offensive, Russian troops used 15 units of military equipmentr, included tanks, armored combat vehicles and a UR-77 mine clearance vehicle. In response, Ukrainian forces destroyed at least two armored personnel carriers.
The head of Kupiansk’s military administration, Andriy Besedin, details how Russian soldiers managed to partially infiltrate the city’s suburbs and industrial zone before being eliminated by Ukrainian forces. “There were attempts to introduce infantry with heavy armored vehicles, but our troops repelled the attack”he assures.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the bravery and effectiveness of the troops who defended Kupiansk. “This morning, as always, began with a report from Commander Syrskyi. Not only in the Donetsk region, but also in the Kupiansk direction, our warriors there have acted with incredible effectiveness“, he wrote at the time on his X account.
“I am grateful to all of them for their resistance and for eliminating the occupiersincluding on the southern fronts and in the Kursk operation. I am proud that all our people and each unit maintain their positions, giving Ukraine the opportunity to convince the world of a fundamental truth: humanity must prevail. “That’s why we fight,” he added.
