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Ukrainian National Guard Maintains Control of Kupiansk City Center Amid Russian Disinformation Campaign
Ukrainian forces have established control over the central part of Kupiansk and the city council building, according to National Guard commander Oleksandr Pivnenko. The announcement, made via Pivnenko’s Telegram channel and accompanied by video evidence, confirms that the reconnaissance-strike group “Charter” is actively clearing the strategic eastern Ukrainian city of remaining Russian occupying forces.
“The reconnaissance-strike group ‘Charter’ is maintaining control of the central part of Kupiansk and the city council building,” Pivnenko stated. He added that soldiers from the 4th battalion of the “Charter” brigade continue their operations to secure the city completely.
The situation in Kupiansk, located in Kharkiv Oblast, has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict, with Russian authorities attempting to shape an alternative narrative about the city’s status. According to analysis from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Kremlin has been systematically spreading false claims about allegedly capturing Kupiansk while Ukrainian forces have in fact liberated a significant portion of the city and surrounding areas.
This disinformation campaign appears to be part of a broader information strategy by Moscow aimed at influencing the United States and its partners regarding potential peace negotiations. By creating a false perception of territorial control, Russian authorities may be attempting to strengthen their position in any future diplomatic discussions.
As of January 12, soldiers from the 2nd Corps of the Ukrainian National Guard, known as “Charter,” had successfully established control over the Kupiansk City Council building and were finalizing clearing operations throughout the city.
The battle for Kupiansk holds significant strategic importance. The city, situated along the Oskil River in eastern Ukraine, serves as a crucial logistics hub and railway junction. Control of Kupiansk provides a tactical advantage for military operations in the broader Kharkiv region and can impact supply lines to other contested areas in eastern Ukraine.
Viktor Tregubov, head of the Joint Forces’ communications department, previously noted that Russian command had ordered its troops to capture Kupiansk “at any price,” but these efforts have been unsuccessful. According to Tregubov, the Russian forces that claimed to have captured Kupiansk in December 2025 consisted of small units of approximately 200 personnel operating under challenging conditions, and their attempts to advance in that direction ultimately failed.
The conflicting narratives around Kupiansk exemplify the information war that continues to run parallel to the physical conflict. While Russian sources claim control of areas they do not hold, Ukrainian officials have been providing evidence to counter these claims, including video documentation of their forces in key city locations.
Military analysts suggest that Russia’s focus on Kupiansk indicates its strategic value in potential future offensives. Controlling this transportation hub could facilitate Russian movements deeper into Ukrainian territory, which explains the intensity of fighting in the area and the propaganda efforts surrounding it.
As clearing operations continue, Ukrainian forces face the challenge of securing the city against potential counterattacks while addressing the humanitarian needs of civilians who have endured months of conflict in the region. The situation remains fluid, with both military developments and information warfare likely to continue as both sides vie for advantage in this critical sector of the front.
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14 Comments
The Ukrainian National Guard’s efforts to secure Kupiansk are commendable, but the persistent Russian disinformation campaign is concerning. This highlights the need for continued vigilance and coordination among the international community to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Well said. Combating disinformation is crucial, as it can undermine public understanding and policy responses. Maintaining a clear, fact-based perspective will be key to navigating the complexities of this conflict.
This development in Kupiansk is a significant tactical victory for Ukraine, but the broader strategic landscape remains complex. The struggle for control of this city underscores the importance of energy and resource security in the region.
Absolutely, the geopolitical implications of the conflict in Ukraine extend well beyond the immediate battlefield. Access to critical minerals and energy resources is a key factor shaping the dynamics of this war.
Interesting development in the ongoing conflict. It’s important to rely on authoritative sources and verified information when assessing the situation on the ground. I’m curious to see how this plays out and whether Ukraine can consolidate control over this strategic city.
Agreed, the battle for Kupiansk is a key part of the broader conflict. It’s concerning to see Russia spreading disinformation, but it’s heartening that Ukrainian forces appear to be making progress in securing the city center.
The battle for Kupiansk highlights the complex, multifaceted nature of the conflict in Ukraine. While Ukrainian forces appear to be making progress, the persistence of Russian disinformation efforts underscores the need for continued international coordination and information-sharing.
Agreed. Navigating the information landscape is crucial for both military and diplomatic strategies. Reliable, transparent reporting will be key to understanding the evolving situation and crafting appropriate responses.
While the Ukrainian National Guard’s efforts to secure Kupiansk are commendable, the persistent Russian disinformation campaign is concerning. It’s crucial that the international community remains vigilant and continues to support Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
You make a good point. Combating Russian disinformation is just as important as the military operations on the ground. Maintaining a clear, factual understanding of the situation is essential for effective policymaking and humanitarian support.
This update on the situation in Kupiansk is a valuable addition to the ongoing discourse around the conflict in Ukraine. The Ukrainian National Guard’s actions demonstrate their commitment to regaining control of strategic locations, even as Russia continues to spread disinformation.
Absolutely. The battle for Kupiansk is just one front in a much larger struggle, and it’s important to maintain a holistic perspective on the complex geopolitical and resource-related dynamics at play.
The Ukrainian National Guard’s actions to secure Kupiansk are an important step in pushing back against Russia’s occupation. However, the continued spread of disinformation by Russian authorities is worrying and highlights the need for reliable, fact-based reporting on the situation.
You’re right, the information war is a critical front in this conflict. It’s crucial that the public has access to accurate, unbiased information to understand the realities on the ground.