The occupation of Kupiansk in Kharkiv region remains a strategic goal for Russian forces, and they have partially managed to infiltrate the city.
This was reported by the spokesperson of the Dnipro Joint Forces Operation, Oleksii Belsky, on Suspilne TV.
Belsky emphasized that as of September 15, Russian troops had not officially entered the city, but infiltrators are managing to get into Kupiansk.
“Officially, the Russians have not entered, but there are sabotage groups. Their disguise tactics violate the laws of war, yet for them, this method has proven effective,” the spokesperson said.
According to him, Russian forces are attempting to amass their units on the northern outskirts of the city, using civilian clothing and forged documents.
“Unfortunately, many locals chose not to evacuate and remain under bombardment. Those occupiers who have infiltrated are carrying out counter-sabotage operations, combing through areas of Kupiansk,” Belsky added.
Locals are able to identify Russian personnel by their accent or Eastern facial features. The spokesperson also noted that the gas pipeline through which the Russians entered the northern outskirts of Kupiansk is under Ukrainian armed forces’ fire control.
Previously, Russian troops used underground pipelines to advance past Ukrainian defensive positions in Avdiivka, Donetsk region in January 2024, and in Sudzha, Kursk region in March 2025.
It has been revealed that Russian forces are using gas pipelines to enter Kupiansk, effectively crossing the Oskil River.
