The operation followed months of heavy fighting after a Russian breakthrough in September triggered the creation of a special strike group.
By Yuri Zoria
12/12/2025
Euromaidan Press
Ukrainian Defense Forces have surrounded the remaining Russian troops in Kupiansk and liberated surrounding settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, according to the Ukrainian National Guard’s 2nd Corps Khartia. The operation has reportedly cut all ground access for Russian forces, forcing them to rely solely on drones for supplies.
Kupiansk, a key logistical hub in northeastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv Oblast, was seized by Russian forces early in the full-scale invasion but liberated by Ukraine in September 2022. Since then, the city has remained on the frontline, with Russian troops attempting new offensives in 2024–2025. A few months ago, the Russians managed to approach the city and enter it.
Ukrainian forces encircle Russian troops and liberate villages around Kupiansk
Khartia reports that the counteroffensive began after the Russian breakthrough into Kupiansk in September. To respond, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi ordered the creation of a special strike group named Khartia. It included units from the 13th Brigade Khartia, the 475th Assault Regiment Kod 9.2, the 92nd Assault Brigade, the Foreign Legion of the Defense Intelligence, and the 144th Mechanized Brigade. These forces launched a coordinated operation to eliminate the Russian incursion and regain control of the area.
On 20 November, Russian General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov told Vladimir Putin that Kupiansk had ostensibly been captured. On 2 December, Putin stated that the Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi railway station would fall “in a few days.”
Khartia states that its units advanced to the Oskil River and cut off all land supply routes into Kupiansk. As a result of the operation, Ukrainian forces liberated the villages of Radkivka and Kindrashivka, as well as nearby forests and several districts in northern Kupiansk.
From 22 September to 12 December, 1,027 Russian soldiers were reportedly killed, 291 were wounded, and 13 taken prisoner. Over 200 Russian troops remain encircled inside the city, and all their attempts to break through the Ukrainian defenses have been repelled.
According to Khartia, Kupiansk is under full fire control by Ukrainian forces, and the Russian grouping is fully isolated. Militarnyi adds that Ukrainian troops also took control of key infrastructure, including gas pipeline exits previously used by Russian troops to enter the city.
Militarnyi noted that the Deep State interactive warzone map, which for months had shown Russian forces pushing up to six kilometers into Kupiansk, now reflects significant Ukrainian gains. The map updated on 12 December display a sharp change in the city’s status, confirming that Ukrainian forces have reversed the earlier Russian advance. The map now shows three small isolated Russian-controlled pockets inside the town.
Street fighting continues inside Kupiansk
Although Ukrainian forces have blocked all ground access and hold surrounding territory, fighting continues in central Kupiansk. Khartia reports that several dozen residential buildings in the city’s northern districts have already been cleared of Russian presence. The operation is being conducted with caution, as up to 500 civilians reportedly remain in Kupiansk. Russian troops are attempting to use them as human shields, Khartia adds.
Ukrainian troops destroy Russian battalions, sever supply lines
According to Militarnyi, Ukrainian units crushed several Russian formations during the October–November phase of the operation. These included battalions from the 121st and 122nd Motor Rifle Regiments, the 30th Engineer-Sapper Regiment of the 68th Motor Rifle Division, and the 27th Motor Rifle Brigade. Russian units operated with support from the 7th UAV Regiment and other drone teams, but were ultimately driven back.
Militarnyi confirms that Ukrainian forces blocked all ground routes and forced Russian troops in Kupiansk to rely entirely on aerial drone drops for supplies. The intensity of Russian losses continues to grow as Ukraine holds its positions and repels daily assaults.
Militarnyi also reports that a Recon-Strike Group (RUG), known for its Spanish-speaking fighters, is involved in the battle. The group includes volunteers from Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Italy, and Mexico, serving alongside Ukrainians. A recently shared video shows them advancing toward Kupiansk’s center during clearing operations.