Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russian forces are approximately 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles) from the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy and between 2.5 and 5 kilometers (1.5–3 miles) from Kupyansk, in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, describing their advance as part of efforts to establish what Moscow calls a “security zone” along the border. But a battalion commander from Ukraine’s 13th National Guard Brigade “Khartiia” dismissed the Kremlin leader’s remarks, telling Kyiv Post that while Russian troops continue trying to infiltrate the approaches to Kupyansk, there has been no significant escalation in their offensive in recent weeks.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “Everyone has long become accustomed to the false statements made by Russia’s political and military leadership,” battalion commander “Miami” said in an exclusive comment to Kyiv Post. At the same time, he acknowledged that Russian forces continue attempting to build up troops near Kupiansk and infiltrate the city. According to “Miami,” Khartiia’s units are tasked with blocking Russian approach routes, preventing enemy forces from massing and denying Moscow the ability to launch larger offensive operations against the city. The commander said Ukrainian troops have not observed a significant increase in Russian activity in recent weeks and that mechanized assaults remain absent.
Putin Claims Russian Forces Are Closing In on Kupyansk, Khartiia Says Attacks Have Not Intensified
A Khartiia battalion commander told Kyiv Post that Russian assaults near Kupyansk have not intensified in recent weeks, pushing back on Vladimir Putin’s claims that Moscow’s troops are closing in on the city.
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