Ukrainian forces seize tactical initiative in Kupiansk — Achilles commander

Yurii Fedorenko, commander of the 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade Achilles, stated this on Espreso TV.

"In the Kupiansk area, the situation is developing very favorably for the Defense Forces. There are challenges, particularly on the left-bank bridgehead held by our forces. The Russian army's priority is to capture it and reach Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi. Consequently, they're deploying additional light-armored and armored vehicles. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, Russian forces are using armor with a single objective - to break through our defensive lines and reach Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi.

As a result, they're striking the crossing points from the right to the left bank to disrupt the Defense Forces' logistics, but the left-bank bridgehead is being held quite effectively," Fedorenko noted.

According to the commander of the 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade Achilles, Russian forces have been blocked on the northern outskirts of the right bank, meaning they cannot infiltrate the city of Kupiansk on the right bank. Within the city itself, the Defense Forces are conducting operations to drive Russian troops from every shelter.

"Consequently, the Defense Forces are achieving success - the Yubileinyi district has been completely cleared of Russian forces. Russian troops have also been driven out of the Kupiansk administration building.

Fighting continues in the hospital area and along Michurin Street - this demonstrates how the Defense Forces managed to halt the Russian tactical advance, regroup, and seize the tactical initiative. At present, the tactical initiative rests in the hands of Ukraine's Defense Forces," Fedorenko emphasized.

• On January 15, 180 combat engagements were recorded along the Russian-Ukrainian front, with Russian forces launching 46 assaults in the Pokrovsk direction.