The video address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, recorded in Kupiansk, Kharkiv region, received high praise among Western allies. This step served as an important rebuttal to official Russian claims regarding the occupation of the city.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Impact of the Address on International Support
“It had a significant impact on both Americans and Europeans. Everyone appreciated it highly: our soldiers for holding Kupiansk, and the fact that I was there in person – it put an end to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s lies about newly occupied territories. It greatly influenced my conversations with Americans. It had a very strong impact on discussions with Europeans,” noted the President of Ukraine.
President Zelensky shared that the official visit to Kupiansk and his personal presence in the city emphasized the control over the territory by Ukrainian forces. According to him, this had a significant influence on negotiations with US representatives as well as discussions with leaders of European countries.
Operational Situation in Kupiansk
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Ukrainian forces control almost 90% of Kupiansk’s territory. According to Colonel Viktor Tregubov, spokesperson for the Joint Forces of Ukraine, as of mid-month, around 100-200 Russian servicemen still remain in the city, and operations to clear the territory are ongoing. Additionally, he noted that Russian troops are facing a challenging logistical situation.
The command of the National Guard Corps “Charter” previously reported a breakthrough by Ukraine’s Defense Forces to the Oskil River and a complete blockade of supply routes for Russian units in Kupiansk.
Volodymyr Zelensky’s trip to Kupiansk took place on December 12, during which he recorded a video address against the backdrop of a damaged stele at the city’s entrance, symbolizing control over the city.
Despite this, Russia has continued to claim the capture of Kupiansk since November, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly announced the imminent takeover of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi. Ukrainian authorities insist otherwise.
According to analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Kremlin’s rhetoric regarding advances in Kupiansk is part of an information war aimed at influencing public opinion both in Ukraine and among Western partners. The goal of such statements is to sow doubts about the resilience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and to pressure Ukraine and the West into concessions.
Kupiansk remains strategically important for the defense of Donbas. Its loss could create a risk of encirclement for Ukrainian forces on the left bank of the Oskil River. The threat to the city has persisted since summer, and the situation around it remains tense.