The Russians press on Kupyansk: the troops of the Russian Federation went to the Oskil River - British intelligence

According to the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom, the group of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation south of the most important transport node continues to expand, increasing the pressure on Ukrainian defense. British intelligence has declared an increase in the offensive activity of Russian troops in the Kupyansk Kharkiv region. The city, important for logistics and transport, has become one of the key goals of hostilities in the northeast of Ukraine.

This is stated in the report of the UK Ministry of Defense of November 17. It is reported that on November 13, the Russian forces were likely to attempt to penetrate the city from the northeast direction. South of Kupyansk Russian troops reached the Oskil River, which led to the rupture of Ukrainian logistics lines on the eastern bank of the river. At the same time, the Russian group south continues to expand, increasing pressure on Ukrainian defense.

The British Defense Ministry noted that Kupyansk is an important transport unit and a logistics center that plays a strategic role for both parties. After restoring control of the city in September 2022, Ukraine uses it as one of the key points to support its forces. Therefore, increased Russian activity in the area creates additional risks for Ukrainian troops.

In view of the situation, on October 15, the Ukrainian authorities decided to evacuate civilians from Kupyansk and surrounding territories. However, despite these measures, according to Kupyansk military-civilian administration, there are about 4,000 inhabitants in the city, which is much less than the pre-war level of 27,000 people. Thus, control over this city remains an important task for both Ukrainian and Russian troops, which makes it one of the key objects of confrontation in the region.