Russia claims capture of Kupiansk-Uzlovyi

Russia’s Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that Kupiansk-Uzlovyi, an urban-type settlement in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, had been “liberated,” with Russian troops conducting checks and clearing operations in the city.

Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov reportedly inspected the Western military grouping and received a briefing from its commander, Sergey Kuzovlev. Gerasimov stated that the settlement had been secured, according to Interfax.

Kupiansk-Uzlovyi lies on the left bank of the Oskol River and borders the city of Kupiansk. Russian claims of control over Kupiansk itself have been disputed by Ukrainian officials, who in December said Ukrainian forces retained presence in the city and had re-established control over key buildings, including the city council.

The Russian Defense Ministry has regularly reported repelling Ukrainian counterattacks on Kupiansk throughout January, including attempts by Ukrainian forces to display national flags on administrative buildings using drones.