Zelenskyy: Kupiansk almost fully liberated from Russian forces

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday announced that Ukrainian defenders had almost completely liberated the city of Kupiansk from Russian occupation.

Speaking at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelenskyy noted that despite launching several offensive operations, none of Russia’s recent military actions had achieved success.

“Of course, heavy fighting continues in Pokrovsk and other areas. For example, our troops are making more progress in the Kupiansk direction. Although Russia claims it has taken Kupiansk, to be frank, we have almost completely cleared the city,” Zelensky said.

Despite repeated statements from Russian leadership, the actual situation on the ground in Kupiansk is markedly different. The presence of Russian troops in the city has decreased, with estimates indicating only around 50–100 Russian soldiers remaining.

Earlier this week, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi dismissed Russian claims about the situation in Kupiansk as false. He said Ukrainian defenders continue clearing the city of remaining occupying forces.