August 12, AFP – The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on the 11th that the war situation has improved around the city of Kupiansk in northeastern Ukraine.

In September last year, Ukrainian forces recaptured Kupyansk and surrounding areas in Kharkiv Oblast. But then Russia pushed back, and Ukraine ordered residents to evacuate.

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that Russian troops “continued offensive operations on a wide range of fronts” and had “turned the tide” in Vilshana and Pershotravneve, east of Kupyansk.

Meanwhile, Sergiy Cherevaty, a spokesman for the Eastern Operations Command of the Ukrainian military, said the war situation around Kupyansk was “difficult” considering the enemy’s strength, but that the Ukrainian military was “taking the initiative.” said.

On the 10th, authorities in Kupyansk called on residents of 37 settlements between the city and Russian military lines to evacuate to the city of Kharkiv, about 90 kilometers to the west. From there, they have the option of moving to a safer state.

Russia’s push into Kupyansk is aimed at attracting troops to take part in a counterattack in Ukraine. (c)AFP