Defense forces blocked Russians in Kupyansk: how many occupiers are in the city?

The defense forces are developing an operation to regain control over Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region – the Russians there remained virtually blocked.

This was stated by Viktor Tregubov, head of the communications department of the Joint Forces Group, during a telethon.

Ukrainian troops are gradually pushing the occupiers out of the city. Earlier, they released civilian hostages, including children, who were used as human shields by the Russians.

“This is, among other things, an explanation of why this (the displacement of the enemy — ed.) does not happen instantly. It would be simple to strike exclusively at those positions where the entire city is currently being destroyed, but this could cause both civilian casualties and unnecessary destruction,” Tregubov emphasized.

In addition, Ukraine seeks to minimize personnel losses in urban battles, so the liberation of Kupyansk is being carried out cautiously.

Currently, there are Russian army units blocked in the settlement. According to preliminary intelligence estimates, as of the end of last week, there were 40 active call signs in the radios – about 100-200 military personnel.

“According to our estimates, it is probably closer to a hundred,” Tregubov added.

As he noted, Russia cannot help them, since almost all communication has been cut off, except for the air bridge, so it is almost impossible to replenish forces.

At the same time, using drones to deliver food and ammunition, the occupiers encountered difficulties, as UAVs have limited carrying capacity.

“Drones can’t fly everywhere, and when something falls from drones, Ukrainians see where it fell and who runs after it. Therefore, there is an additional danger factor. Being a Russian in Kupyansk is unpleasant now,” the military man concluded.

As is known, Ukrainian units are continuing to liberate Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region, where active fighting has already moved to the central part of the city.

We remind you that the activity of Russian troops in Kupyansk has decreased , however, the intensity of operations in the Kharkiv region remains high – the enemy is trying to advance in the South-Slobozhansk direction.

It is worth noting that the Ukrainian Defense Forces cut off Russian troops from supplies in Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region, so they tried to advance by bypassing the city from the sides.

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