Kathrine Frich
Throughout the war, Moscow has repeatedly insisted that its forces remain supplied and in control, even in contested areas.
Ukrainian officials, however, say accounts from the battlefield increasingly contradict that picture.
Kupiansk has become the latest example of the gap between official claims and realities on the ground.
Trapped inside city
Around 120 Russian soldiers remain encircled in Kupiansk, according to Ukrainian military officials.
Viktor Tregubov, head of communications for Ukraine’s Joint Forces, told the Kyiv Independent on December 15 that Ukrainian intelligence detected dozens of Russian radio call signs inside the city.
“At the end of last week, our intelligence services identified about 40 active callsigns on Russian radio channels in Kupiansk.
As a rule, this means one radio set for every three to four soldiers. Therefore, we estimate that about 120 Russian servicemen remain surrounded,” he said.
Drone resupply
Tregubov confirmed that the trapped Russian units are still receiving limited supplies via drones, forming what Ukrainian officials describe as an improvised air bridge.
“Yes, it is confirmed. In fact, there were ironic cases where they were not sent food, but flags, for them to wave and pretend that everything was under control,” the official said.
He added that drone deliveries are inherently limited.
“Drones have small payloads attached to them, food, water, or symbolic items, but you can’t parachute a new soldier.”
Recent operation
The remarks follow reports that Ukrainian forces carried out a successful operation in the Kupiansk direction on December 12.
Ukrainian officials said the action was intended to stabilize the front line after Russian forces renewed their attacks in the area in recent months.
Kupiansk, located about 104 kilometres east of Kharkiv, has faced intensified pressure since autumn as Moscow attempts to retake territory lost during Ukraine’s 2022 counteroffensive.
Sources: Kyiv Independent, Digi24
