Ukrainian forces continue counterattacking in and around Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, where Russian troops face logistical complications and loss of drone coverage, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Kyiv’s units have entered northern Kupiansk, blocked Russian infiltration attempts, and liberated nearby settlements, while Russian sources admit growing difficulties.

Ukrainian troops push forward and cut off Russian movements

ISW says in its 15 December report that Colonel Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Joint Forces Group, noted on 15 December that Ukrainian forces continue clearing operations within Kupiansk and are avoiding urban combat. He reported that Russian forces are using unmanned aerial vehicles to supply a group of around 100 to 200 personnel remaining in the city.

Trehubov implied that UAVs cannot cover all areas and have limited payload capacity, and said drones sometimes drop supplies in ways that expose Russian positions to Ukrainian forces.

A non-commissioned officer of a Ukrainian brigade operating in the Kupiansk direction said Ukrainian troops have liberated several settlements and nearby forest areas, and that elements of his brigade are active in northern Kupiansk. He said Russian forces continue infiltration attempts using a gas pipeline, but Ukrainian forces have blocked the pipeline and now keep all possible exit points under fire control.

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Russian bloggers report worsening conditions

ISW reported that Russian ultranationalist milbloggers continue to acknowledge the deteriorating battlefield situation for Russian forces in Kupiansk. One claimed that Russian troops hold some positions in northern and central parts of the city, while the rest is either a contested “gray zone” or under Ukrainian control.

Another milblogger wrote that conditions in western Kupiansk are “rapidly worsening” and said elements of the 68th Motorized Rifle Division of the 6th Combined Arms Army are “desperately fighting.” He also acknowledged that Ukrainian forces have advanced in Kupiansk and in Myrove, immediately northwest of the city.

According to ISW, the same source admitted that “Russian forces no longer have manpower superiority in the area” and said that Ukrainian interdiction efforts are hindering Russian operations. He added that Ukrainian advances have forced Russian drone operators to retreat across the Oskil River to the east (left) bank.

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ISW: Ukrainian troops continue advancing within and near Kupiansk

ISW contradicts Russian claims with geolocated evidence

“Geolocated footage published on December 14 and 15 indicates that Russian forces likely do not hold positions within Petropavlivka (east of Kupiansk), contrary to Russian claims of advances in the area,” ISW stated.

ISW also assessed that the Kremlin is continuing to promote a narrative of Russian gains in and near Kupiansk “for a cognitive warfare effort designed to portray the Ukrainian lines as on the verge of collapse.” According to ISW, “the Ukrainian counterattacks in the Kupiansk direction continue to demonstrate that.”

Ukrainian forces continue advancing within and near Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, while heavy fighting continues near the city, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports. New geolocated footage and Ukrainian reporting show gains inside the city and nearby settlements. Russian sources acknowledge some losses but dispute the scope of Ukrainian progress despite available evidence.

Ukrainian advances confirmed by geolocated footage: Yuvileynyi neighborhood seized, fighting continues

ISW reported on 13 December that Ukrainian forces advanced in central Kupiansk while conducting clearing operations. Footage published on 12 December shows Ukrainian units moving through central districts and pushing southeast of Petropavlivka, east of Kupiansk. Additional footage from 12 and 13 December indicates Russian infiltration groups remain in northern and western Kupiansk.

Ukrainian military observer Yurii Butusov reported that Ukrainian forces fully seized Yuvileynyi Microraion ("micro-district") in southwestern Kupiansk. He assessed that losing this area likely prevents Russian forces from sustaining remaining positions in southern Kupiansk. Butusov also said Ukrainian units continue clearing operations across the city.

Russian infiltration attempts persist

The chief of staff of a Ukrainian drone battalion reported that Russian forces still attempt to penetrate Kupiansk. He said Russian troops primarily move on foot during these efforts. ISW noted that these infiltration attempts continue despite Ukrainian advances and ongoing clearance.

Russian milbloggers acknowledge losses

Russian milbloggers acknowledged Ukrainian advances into Yuvileynyi Microraion and northwest of Kupiansk. They reported heavy fighting near Myrove and Radkivka, both northwest to north of the city. One milblogger admitted Russia lost Radkivka and two defensive positions south and east of the settlement. Many Russian milbloggers continued rejecting Ukrainian reports despite evidence supporting Ukrainian claims.

Kupiansk counteroffensive

Ukrainian forces launched their counteroffensive in the Kupiansk area in September 2025 following rapid Russian advances during the summer. By early August, Russian troops had infiltrated Kupiansk, and by late August, the Russian military command began publicly presenting these infiltrations as significant gains. According to Butusov, Russian assault units from the 121st and 122nd motorized rifle regiments, the 27th Motorized Rifle Brigade, and the 1855th Battalion had established entrenched positions in the city and seized a key elevation north of Kupiansk, putting Ukraine in a critical situation by mid-September.

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Butusov reported that Ukrainian forces later liberated Tyshchenkivka, Kindrashivka, and Radkivka, enabling a breakthrough in Russian defenses. By 21 October, they reached the west bank of the Oskil River and severed Russian supply lines to Kupiansk from the north. Despite facing a Russian-created drone “kill zone,” Ukrainian units adapted and regained the initiative.

"The Kremlin has been leveraging its claims of advances in and near Kupiansk for a cognitive warfare effort designed to portray the Ukrainian lines as on the verge of collapse," ISW noted, adding that "the Ukrainian counterattacks in the Kupiansk direction continue to demonstrate that this narrative is false."