Kupyansk and the surrounding territories are significant for Russia for several reasons.
This was stated by the Chairman of the Reserve Council of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ivan Timochko, during a telethon.
According to the expert, in addition to the attempt to control the Limano-Kupyansk bridgehead, Russian troops are trying to advance toward the Oskol Reservoir—a lengthy water barrier that holds considerable strategic value. Furthermore, the occupiers aim to seize the Kupyansk-Uzlovoy railway station, a crucial logistics hub for transporting military equipment and weaponry.
Timochko explained that for the Russian army, controlling railway stations means the ability to ensure logistics for large volumes of resources and equipment. At this stage, Ukrainian defenders have managed to hold back the offensive, and according to Timochko, the situation in this section of the front has stabilized.
"At this point, the situation there is regulated. Because we know that all attacks have been repelled. And this is essentially stated by everyone, including the Russians," Timochko emphasized.
According to the expert, the Russian command has received orders to reclaim territories liberated by Ukrainian forces. The Kupyansk direction, as part of the Kharkiv region, remains an important target; however, at present, the Kremlin is also focusing on the Donbas, which holds not only military but also political significance for Russia.
As Timochko notes, in the past week, there has been a noticeable increase in enemy activity in the Kupyansk direction, utilizing armored vehicles, including BMPs, MTLBs, and tanks.
"It is becoming clear that they are trying to use this time while the ground roads have not fully thawed and before the mud sets in," Timochko adds.