Ukrainian defense forces crush Russian assaults near Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast
Drone operators from Achilles battalion (92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade), alongside the National Guard Brigade and the 77th Separate Airborne Brigade, successfully repelled two Russian assaults in the Kupyansk sector, military wrote on Jan. 5.
The officers published the video, shot near the village of Zahryzove, Kharkiv Oblast, in YouTube.
"The attack began on the night of Jan. 2-3 (first assault) and continued into the morning of Jan. 4 (second assault). Both mechanized offensives were stopped," Achilles Battalion reported.
Ukrainian UAV operators neutralized 20 enemy armored vehicles over two days:
- 5 tanks (1 destroyed, 3 damaged)
- 10 infantry fighting vehicles (4 destroyed, 6 damaged)
- 3 light armored multipurpose transporters (MT-LB) (1 destroyed, 2 damaged)
- 1 armored personnel carrier (damaged)
- 1 armored mine-laying vehicle (damaged)
"The enemy is once again trying to expand its bridgehead on the eastern bank of the Oskil River (Kupyansk sector). Their goal remains unchanged - to capture the eastern part of Kupyansk and Kupyansk-Vuzlovyi. Moreover, judging by their actions, they are likely preparing for further advances toward Borova," Anton Shmahailo, the first strike company of the Achilles battalion commander said.
The military emphasized that key defensive strongholds along the eastern bank of the Oskil River include Kupyansk, Kupyansk-Vuzlovyi, and Borova. The primary Russian offensive force in this sector consists of tank divisions from Russia’s 1st Tank Army.
"The key to repelling these attacks lies in the coordinated efforts of various Ukrainian Defense Forces units stationed in the area and their combined firepower, which includes reconnaissance and strike drones, particularly those operated by the Achilles battalion," they added.
The battalion also recalled that in October 2024, Russian forces managed to split the Ukrainian defensive bridgehead in the area of Kruhliakivka, Kolisnykivka, and Zahryzove through massive assaults and at the cost of significant personnel and equipment losses.
"Right now, this is where the fiercest battles in the Kupyansk sector are taking place," they stressed.
Fighting in Kupyansk sector
On Dec. 15, Ukrainian forces regained positions near Kolisnykivka in Kharkiv Oblast.
On Dec. 23, Russian troops attempted to expand their foothold on the eastern bank of the Oskil River toward Kupyansk, but Ukrainian Defense Forces successfully repelled the attack.
On Jan. 4, Kupyansk Military Administration head Andrii Besedin reported that the front line is just 2 kilometers from Kupyansk.
The Russian military is actively using mortars, artillery, MLRS, guided aerial bombs, and FPV drones to target Ukrainian logistics and supply routes.
Due to continuous attacks, humanitarian aid deliveries have been severely disrupted, making civilians' movements extremely difficult. Despite this, about 900 residents remain in the Kupyansk municipality, mostly elderly individuals who refuse to evacuate despite the dangerous conditions.
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