August M
President Volodymyr Zelensky has drawn attention after appearing close to the front line near Kupyansk, an area Russian forces have claimed to control. The visit was presented as a show of support for Ukrainian troops still fighting in the area.
The claims could not be independently verified due to ongoing fighting in the region.
The incident, reported by the Express, comes amid renewed claims that Ukrainian forces are regaining ground around the strategic city.
A defiant appearance
Zelensky was filmed standing roughly a mile from Russian positions during a visit to the Kupyansk direction on December 12.
The Ukrainian president shared footage on social media, presenting the visit as a signal of confidence in Ukraine’s forces.
“Today – the Kupyansk direction, our soldiers are achieving results for Ukraine here. Many Russians have talked about Kupyansk – we can see it. I was there. I congratulated the guys. Thank you to every unit, to everyone who is fighting here, to everyone who is destroying the occupier,” Zelensky said.
The appearance was widely circulated online and praised by pro-Ukrainian commentators.
Online reaction
Noel Reports, a pro-Ukrainian Telegram channel, highlighted the visit in blunt terms, hailing Zelensky as a leader who “with b*lls of steel visits the very frontline in Kupyansk”.
The post contrasted sharply with earlier Russian claims that the city had already fallen under Moscow’s control.
Russian authorities said in November that Kupyansk had been seized, assertions that were repeatedly rejected by Ukrainian officials.
Strategic ground
Earlier this year, Ukrainian troops began retaking villages including Kindrashivka and Radkivka, according to posts from the National Guard’s Kharkiv Corps on Facebook.
Kupyansk lies in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region and is a key rail and road hub.
Its location makes it a crucial logistics centre and a gateway to northeastern Ukraine, increasing its importance for both sides in the conflict.
Sources: Express, Noel Reports, Ateo Breaking, National Guard of Ukraine (Facebook)
