Russian forces have claimed the capture of the strategic city of Kupyansk in Ukraine&rsquo;s Kharkiv region, marking a significant shift along the eastern front, according to a statement by Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.
Gerasimov said units from the Zapad (West) group had taken control of Kupyansk and were continuing operations to eliminate Ukrainian troops reportedly trapped on the left bank of the Oskol River. 
He also reported advances in Krasnoarmeysk, stating that &ldquo;over 75% of its territory is now under Russian control.&rdquo;
Kupyansk, considered a crucial logistics hub and defensive stronghold for Ukrainian forces, was recaptured by Kyiv in September 2022 after being seized by Russia on the first day of its offensive. 
However, recent months have seen Ukrainian forces pushed back along several sectors of the frontline.
Since early November, Russian troops have captured 13 villages, six in the Dnipropetrovsk region and seven in the Zaporizhzhia region, further consolidating their territorial gains in the east.

Russian troops advance through captured Ukrainian city

Russian forces tighten grip on Kharkiv front after claiming Kupyansk takeover

Russia Claims Capture Of Key Kupyansk City

Russian forces tighten grip on Kharkiv front after claiming Kupyansk takeover

November 21, 2025 | 10:42 IST