Is the Russian Army Securing Kupyansk While Targeting Ukrainian Military Infrastructure?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Moscow, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Russian military asserts control over the vital city of Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region and executed a comprehensive strike on Ukrainian military assets overnight, according to statements from Moscow on Saturday.
The operation was carried out as a counteraction to terrorist strikes conducted by the Kyiv administration against civilian targets within Russian borders, noted the Russian defense ministry.
Russian forces deployed long-range precision munitions from land, air, and sea platforms, using hypersonic Kinzhal missiles to target power infrastructure that supports Ukrainian military efforts and defense production.
The strike met its objectives effectively, with all assigned targets successfully engaged, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Furthermore, Kupyansk continues to be under Russian control, following the repulsion of five Ukrainian counteroffensives in the last two days, as stated by Ivan Bigma, spokesperson for Russia's Western Group of Forces.
Bigma affirmed, "All counterstrikes were successfully repelled, and we incurred no territorial losses." During these confrontations, Russian troops reportedly destroyed five units of military equipment, including two US-produced M113 armored personnel carriers, and eliminated over 20 Ukrainian soldiers.
In other developments, a suggestion for a potential crisis resolution plan from Kyiv reportedly varies significantly from the proposals being discussed between Moscow and Washington, according to a Russian official on Friday.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov remarked on the "60 Minutes" program that while a settlement seems to be on the horizon, the negotiation process is obstructed by the establishment of deadlines and attempts to sabotage it.
"I believe December 25, 2025, will be remembered as a pivotal moment when we genuinely approached a resolution, but whether we can finalize an agreement hinges on the political will of the opposing side," Ryabkov stated.
Addressing comments made by US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker regarding an end to the conflict within 90 days, Ryabkov emphasized that imposing specific timelines does not facilitate a peaceful resolution.
A breakthrough in negotiations must transpire "under circumstances where Kyiv and its backers, particularly within the European Union, who are not inclined towards reaching a settlement, have intensified their efforts to derail it," he commented.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed on Friday his readiness to present a peace initiative to conclude the Ukraine conflict through a referendum, contingent upon Russia agreeing to a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days, as reported by US media outlet Axios.
In a phone interview with Axios on Friday, Zelensky mentioned his desire to negotiate a more favorable position regarding territories. However, if the proposal necessitates a "very challenging" decision on territorial matters, he believes the most prudent course will be to subject the entire 20-point plan to a referendum.