Russians crawl through pipes and use boats, Ukrainian forces say amid Kupyansk fighting

As of May 18, there are no Russian troop concentrations in Kupiansk, Kharkiv region: all Russian soldiers remaining in the city after the Defense Forces completed their counter-operation have been either eliminated or captured.

This was reported by the commander of the 3rd Company, 1st Battalion, call sign "Zanuda," during an interview with Suspilne Kharkiv at a "Khartia" command post.

Situation in the city and Russian infiltration attempts

According to the commander, Russian claims of regaining control over Kupiansk are false, and the areas on the outskirts are more of a "gray zone." The enemy is trying to edge into the outskirts of the city, using summer foliage for camouflage. However, Ukrainian troops have secured defensive positions, and the situation remains stable. There are no sabotage and reconnaissance groups inside the city.

The Russians are trying to penetrate Kupiansk from the north, specifically from the Dvorichna direction, moving through pipes, overgrown tree lines, and fields. Previously, when the Oskil River was frozen, they crossed it on ice; now, they are using boats. Over the past two months, only isolated infantrymen have managed to slip into the city itself.

Enemy tactics and use of manpower

The main Russian tactic currently relies on infantry infiltration backed by FPV drones. The commander explains that the invaders deploy soldiers individually or in small groups, aiming to get at least one infantryman into Ukrainian defensive positions to relay coordinates via radio.

"One or two infantrymen make it in, and they get killed," the serviceman says.

He added that due to a lack of food and water, blocked Russian soldiers are being resupplied with provisions via drones. This actually helps Ukrainian defenders quickly locate and eliminate them, or take them prisoner. The quality of the enemy's manpower is rated as minimal—captured soldiers usually have only one to two weeks of training.

Who is fighting on the Kupiansk front

The company commander says that the vast majority of Russian servicemen in this sector of the front are former inmates.

"In most cases—90%—they are convicts, to put it simply. They were imprisoned for something, offered a contract, signed it, and went to war," "Zanuda" said.

According to him, when signing contracts, the Russians are assured they will work as construction workers, dig trenches, or operate drones. However, they all end up in the infantry.

"Zanuda" states that the Russians currently have no chance of recapturing Kupiansk. Experienced units are fighting on the side of Ukraine's Defense Forces, and the rugged terrain, along with the river, hampers the advance of enemy armor.