Ukrainian military show Kupiansk, turned into ruins by Russia

Ukraine's Ground Forces have published photos of the city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast, which was destroyed by the Russians who attempted to capture it.

Source: Ukraine's Ground Forces

Quote: "These photos show Kupiansk – once cosy and peaceful – which Russia has turned into ruins and total devastation. It is not hard to see what this city was like before the occupier invaded."

The city of Kupiansk, December 2025

Photo: Ukraine's Ground Forces

Details: It is noted that the 116th Separate Mechanised Brigade is one of the units defending the city. "Russia destroys and we defend what is ours – our land, our people and our future," the statement said.

Background:

• On 12 December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Kupiansk front, where he recorded a video beside the city's half-destroyed entrance sign and congratulated Ukraine's Ground Forces on their special day.
• On 12 December, it became known that Ukraine's defence forces carried out a successful counterattack near the city of Kupiansk and encircled a Russian grouping in the city.
• Since October, the Russians have repeatedly claimed to have occupied Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast. At the same time, Ukrainian troops continue to hold the city.
• On 2 December, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin loudly "invited" foreign journalists, including Ukrainian ones, to visit Pokrovsk and Kupiansk to allegedly show Russia's control over these cities.

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