The eastern Ukrainian city of Kupiansk, once briefly liberated in Ukraine's stunning 2022 counteroffensive, now finds itself at the centre of a brutal Russian assault that threatens to undo previous gains. The situation has become so dire that many military analysts are calling this the most critical flashpoint in the entire war.
A City Living on Borrowed Time
Walking through Kupiansk's shattered streets feels like moving through a ghost city. The few remaining residents emerge cautiously from basements, their faces etched with the exhaustion of constant shelling. "We hear explosions day and night," says 67-year-old Olha, who refused to evacuate. "The earth shakes constantly. We've forgotten what silence sounds like."
Ukrainian soldiers manning defensive positions describe fighting against overwhelming odds. "They come in waves," explains a drone operator callsign 'Sokol'. "We eliminate one group, and another appears. The resources they're committing here are staggering."
Why Kupiansk Matters
The strategic importance of this battered city cannot be overstated:
- Railway Hub: Control of Kupiansk would give Russia a vital supply route for pushing deeper into eastern Ukraine
- Gateway to the East: The city serves as a doorway to larger population centres in the region
- Symbolic Value: Recapturing territory Ukraine liberated in 2022 would deliver a massive propaganda victory to Moscow
The Human Cost of Resistance
Local authorities continue efforts to evacuate remaining civilians, but many refuse to leave their homes despite the imminent danger. Humanitarian workers describe increasingly desperate conditions for those who remain, with access to basic necessities becoming more limited each day.
"We're seeing the same pattern as in other cities Russia has captured," notes military analyst Konstantin Mashovets. "They're willing to sacrifice enormous numbers of soldiers and equipment to achieve tactical objectives, regardless of the cost."
As Western military aid faces delays and political hurdles, Ukrainian commanders in Kupiansk make difficult calculations daily about how to distribute limited ammunition and resources across the frontline.
The Battle That Could Define 2025
With both sides pouring significant resources into the fight for Kupiansk, military observers believe the outcome here could influence the war's trajectory for months to come. A Ukrainian victory would demonstrate their ability to hold territory against superior numbers, while a Russian breakthrough could open new offensive opportunities.
The soldiers defending Kupiansk's rubble-strewn streets understand the stakes perfectly. As one artillery commander told us: "If Kupiansk falls, the next battle will be for much larger cities. We cannot afford to lose here."
