Ukrainian general explains why Russian army has intensified its activity in Kupyansk direction

He said this on Espreso TV.

"There are several reasons why Russian troops have become more active in the Kupyansk direction. From a military point of view, logistics to supply Russian units in this area has the shortest routes. So, it's closer to the Russian border, where everything can come from. In addition, we remember that Kharkiv itself, as a sacred city for Putin, and this direction, respectively, are fundamental in military and political terms for the aggressor. Therefore, Russia is trying to organize offensive actions in the east of Ukraine," explained the lieutenant general.

Ihor Romanenko added that in the east, Russia has formed a group of more than 100,000 people.

"A month ago, Russian troops began to act in the areas of Lyman, Kupyansk, Kreminna and Svatove. However, Ukrainian defenders repelled them near Svatove and regained their positions. In other areas, the situation is not easy, there are fierce battles. The most difficult situation is in the Kupyansk direction, which is why the commander of the Ukraine's Land Forces  Oleksandr Syrskyi recently worked there. Russia's advance is currently stopped," noted Romanenko.

• According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Ukrainian troops are holding their ground in the Kupyansk direction. Over the last day, Russia carried out air strikes in the areas of Synkivka and Kotlyarivka in Kharkiv region and Novoselivske in Luhansk region. More than 10 settlements came under artillery and mortar fire.

• On August 8, the Commander of the Land Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi visited the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the Kupyansk direction.