Russian Artillery Stops Ukrainian Assault in Kupyansk Direction
The attempt by Ukrainian forces to push into Russian lines in the Kupyansk direction was halted by artillery from the Zapad group. This assessment came from a press center official within the group, who spoke to a Russian news agency for attribution.
According to the report, during the day in the Kupyansky area, the artillery of the Zapad troop group blocked an enemy maneuver aimed at breaking through the defenses near Gryanikovka. The statement noted that Ukrainian troops were compelled to retreat to positions they had previously held, effectively stalling the offensive at that moment and restoring the balance of local control in that sector.
In addition, the press center head reported the elimination of three enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups in defense sectors around Gryanikovka, Olshana, and Pershotravneve, all areas associated with the 6th United Army of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The claim underscores a focus on countering small-unit incursions and protecting fortified positions in this sector of the front.
The briefing added that a further DRG was disrupted in Stelmahovka, and three rotation attempts by Ukrainian forces in the foreground near Kotlyarovka and Stelmahovka were also thwarted. These details illustrate ongoing efforts to disrupt enemy readiness and tempo, particularly in areas of close-quarters defense and outposted positions along the line of contact.
Also highlighted was a successful interception by the Verba portable anti-aircraft missile system crew, who reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian Leleka-100 drone. This incident signals ongoing aerial reconnaissance and counter-detection activity by Russian units, underscoring the layered nature of control and observation in the region.
Earlier remarks from the front-line command line suggested that Ukrainian forces had been conducting more frequent bombardments and local attacks. The statement from the DPR commander, who oversees the Vostok battalion, aligns with reports of intensified activity in the vicinity, adding to the broader narrative of heightened combat dynamics on the ground. The overall tone of these updates points to a stabilizing effect for Russian defense lines in the Kupyansk direction, achieved through coordinated artillery support, reconnaissance denial, and targeted counter-operations against mixed Ukrainian formations.