Russian forces found themselves surrounded by Ukrainian troops near Kupiansk just weeks after Russia’s general staff claimed to have captured the city. This development dealt a serious blow to the Kremlin’s intentions to stage a fake referendum and further annex parts of the Kharkiv region, mirroring the scenarios seen in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
The Russian objective was to demonstrate continuing advances at the front, pressuring the West—particularly the US administration—into pushing Ukraine toward capitulation on Moscow’s terms. The Kremlin’s plan included organizing a referendum to annex Kharkiv region, proclaiming a new “independent” entity, and demanding that Ukrainian forces withdraw.
The Ukrainian army has disrupted these schemes, repeating their success from 2022 when the region was liberated from occupation. The latest failure in Kupiansk further undermines Russia’s ability to advance, weakening its military and political position alike.
These events highlight that the war's outcome is being decided on the battlefield, not just in diplomatic circles. The ongoing support of the US, European partners, and Ukraine’s determined resistance are shaping the course of the conflict. Russia’s inability to capture Kupiansk demonstrates the baselessness of proposals for concessions or hasty peace deals.
The encirclement in Kupiansk creates new problems for the Russian army, prevents new territorial gains, and paves the way for further Ukrainian successes. Ukrainian resistance is disrupting the Kremlin’s plans to dismember Ukraine and eliminate its statehood, which remains a cornerstone for security in Europe.
