He said this on the Espreso TV channel.
"We recently captured a Russian soldier who told us that their goal, at best, before the new year, and in general before Putin's election, is to at least reach the outskirts of Kupyansk, and in general it is better to capture it," Polyakov said.
The Legion of Freedom officer also added that the situation in the Kupyansk sector is difficult. The Ukrainian soldiers are holding on, but it is difficult.
"The enemy is currently concentrating its main efforts in the area of Synkivka. This settlement is strategic, and it is the gateway to Kupyansk. The enemy has concentrated much artillery and a large number of personnel in the Kupyansk direction," noted Polyakov.
Military expert, co-chairman of the Right Cause NGO Dmytro Sniehyriov noted that the Russian army made some progress in the area of Synkivka, but the Ukrainian Armed Forces are keeping the dominant heights under control.