Russian troops are advancing on Kupiansk
According to the BBC, Russian troops are trying to attack the Ukrainian city of Kupiansk through an underground gas pipeline under the Oskil River, reminiscent of tactics already used in Avdiivka and Sudzhy. The assault on the city is coordinated by a former Ukrainian officer who switched sides to Russia.
Despite claims from Russian command about success at the front in Kupiansk, independent sources do not confirm significant advances by the enemy. The Russian General Staff reports victories, however, the real situation looks different, with Ukrainian troops conducting counterattacks on the northern outskirts of the city.
Even Russian military bloggers mock such 'successes,' pointing out that information about 'capturing half of the city' comes only from the command of the 6th army, which manipulates data for the General Staff.
The commander of the assault - a former Ukrainian officer
Lieutenant General Sergey Storozhenko, who once served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, joined Russia after the annexation of Crimea. He heads the 6th army, which is involved in the battles for Kupiansk. During the annexation of Crimea, he urged Ukrainian military personnel to join Russia, playing on both fronts.
Ukrainian forces are holding their positions and carrying out counterattacks, preventing Russian troops from completely capturing the city. The use of the pipeline to move reinforcements creates difficulties, however, Ukrainian forces control the exits from the pipe and hinder the enemy's advance into the city.
The subtitle indicates that Russian troops are attempting to capture the Ukrainian city of Kupiansk using an underground gas pipeline under the Oskil River. While Russian command claims success, independent sources argue otherwise. Ukrainian forces are conducting counterattacks, keeping the enemy at the outskirts of the city and complicating its advance. Also of extraordinary interest is the fact that the commander of the Russian assault is a former Ukrainian officer who switched to Russia and aided Russian troops during the annexation of Crimea.