01/3/2026
The Russian invaders are trying to increase pressure in the Kupyansk district with the aim of further advancing towards Kupyansk. However, all their attempts to penetrate directly into the city end in failure, and as of now, it is the Ukrainian Defense Forces that are in full control of the situation.
The occupiers have a new order to occupy Kupyansk by February . This was announced on January 3 by the spokesman for the United Forces group, Viktor Tregubov.
Moving towards the city
“Currently, the enemy has concentrated its main efforts on the left bank of the Oskil River, trying to create conditions for further advancement in the direction of Kupyansk,” the officer reported.
Viktor Tregubov emphasized: this is not about restoring positions north of the city, but rather about intense pressure in the left-bank area. At the same time, Russian units are still trying to enter Kupyansk itself in small groups.
“They let infiltration groups directly into the city, but they simply don’t get through. They were pushed out of there and now they are somehow looking for an option,” the Ukrainian defender noted, adding that “all attempts by the Russians to return to the city are currently fruitless.”
New order
Viktor Tregubov explained: if the enemy had had at least partial success, he would not have lost the foothold in Kupyansk, which he had two months ago.
“I heard that the same unfortunate “Kuzov”, who was given the Hero of Russia title, is already setting the task of taking Kupyansk at least by February . Well, a person has such a hobby – setting the task of taking Kupyansk. They give him the title of hero for this. Maybe they will give it again, maybe they will give it posthumously,” the officer said.
This is about Russian Colonel General Sergei Kuzovlev, who was awarded the aforementioned title in December last year for fake reports about the complete occupation of Kupyansk .
What preceded
The Russian occupation army during the New Year holidays in the area of responsibility of the Joint Forces Group – Kharkiv, Luhansk and Sumy regions – somewhat “reduced the intensity of its attacks” , noted Viktor Tregubov. Thus, the enemy is regrouping and creating conditions for the resumption of offensive actions in January.
In the Kupyansk direction, the enemy today (according to data as of 5:00 p.m.) carried out ten fruitless offensive actions in the area of the settlements of Synkivka, Nova Kruglyakivka and towards Kupyansk, Petropavlivka, Kucherivka, and Kurylivka, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine notes.
As OBOZ.UA reported, the attempts of the occupiers to capture Kupyansk are increasingly destroying the city. The enemy does not fight by the rules – he simply does not recognize them. Speaking about this, the Operational Command “North” published the latest photos of the snow-covered and damaged city as evidence .