Ukraine Counterattacks Destroy Russian Bridgeheads At Kupiansk

The number of successful Ukrainian counterattacks along the front this past week - including, most recently, Kupiansk -  suggests that Russian forces are running low on troops and weaponry.

This reveals a broader degradation of Russian military capabilities in Ukraine, which underscores Putin's desperation for a ceasefire, despite claims from allies that he believes he is 'winning.' JL

 

Iryna Kutieleva and Alona Mazurenko report in Ukraine Pravda:

The Ukrainian Armed Forces achieved success on the Kupiansk front, where two bridgeheads established during Russia's crossing of the Oskil River were destroyed. Ukrainian units also demonstrated courage in defending small settlements along the Sukhi Yaly River south of Kurakhove. Throughout the week, they withstood Russian attacks as the Russians attempted to encircle the area from the north and south. 3,000 Russian troops were killed on the Pokrovsk front over the past two weeks.

Ukrainian Armed Forces units demonstrated courage in defending small settlements along the Sukhi Yaly River south of Kurakhove. Throughout the week, they withstood Russian attacks as the Russians attempted to encircle the area from the north and south.

At the same time, Estonian intelligence reports significant Russian losses, with approximately 3,000 troops killed on the Pokrovsk front alone over the past two weeks.

 

On other fronts, Ukrainian defences are under much less pressure. The Ukrainian Armed Forces also achieved success on the Kupiansk front, where two bridgeheads established during Russia's crossing of the Oskil River were destroyed, according to Estonian intelligence.

Background:

• In early December, UK intelligence noted that most recent Russian advances have been concentrated on three fronts in Donetsk Oblast.
• Meanwhile, NATO data confirms that the rapid advance of Russian troops has significantly accelerated in recent weeks. However, Alliance analysts expect this momentum to slow down after Pokrovsk if the Russians succeed in capturing it.