Russian troops continue their offensive in the north-east of Ukraine, in particular in the area of the city of Kupyansk, Kharkiv region. According to the intelligence review of the Ministry of Defense of Great Britain, as of November 13, 2024, the Russians increased the pressure on Ukrainian positions, trying to break through to Kupyansk from the northeast.
Kupyansk, which came under the control of Ukraine in September 2022, is an important transport hub and logistics center. This explains the intensity of Russian attacks in this region.
To the south of the city, Russian troops reached the Oskil River, which allowed them to cut Ukrainian logistics lines on the eastern bank. At the same time, the enemy group in this area is gradually expanding, creating additional pressure on Ukrainian forces.
Civilian residents of Kupyansk were evacuated even earlier - as of October 15, 2024, the Ukrainian authorities had evacuated most of them. However, according to the estimates of the military-civilian administration, about 4,000 people remain in the city and the surrounding areas, which is significantly less than the pre-war population of 27,000.
British intelligence confirms Russia's attempts to gain a foothold in the region, while at the same time reminding of the importance of Kupyansk to ensure Ukrainian defense. Similar forecasts were previously expressed by Estonian intelligence, which expects further intensification of Russian actions in the area.
