Librating Kupiansk: Experts Reveal Details on the Defeat of 15 Ukrainian Armed Forces Battalions
The Russian armed forces have liberated Kupiansk - a key stronghold on the Ukrainian defense line. Experts explain how 15 battalions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (VСU) were defeated and what tasks remain to be completed.
On the evening of November 20, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, reported to President Vladimir Putin about the liberation of Kupiansk. The "Western" group of forces has completely liberated the city. Overall, in all operational areas of the special military operation (SVO), the Russian army has shown steady progress. Military experts shared their views on how this event will affect the situation in the special military operation area with the aif.ru website.
Vladimir Putin stated that approximately 15 battalions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been surrounded in the Kupiansk area and its surrounding territories.
Kupiansk was a key stronghold on the Ukrainian defense line. The city is located on both sides of the Osykor River and is of great importance for the defense of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Previously, the Russian Ministry of Defense had announced that it had controlled the eastern part of the city. Now, Kupiansk is completely under the control of the Russian Armed Forces. Russian troops continue to clear enemy forces located on the left bank of the Osykor River.
The liberation of Kupiansk also has strategic significance for ensuring the security of the Luhansk People's Republic (LNR). Andrey Marochko, Deputy团长 of the Luhansk People's Republic, pointed out that the liberation of Kupiansk will have a significant impact on the Luhansk People's Republic, especially on the northern areas of the region.
Experts said that the fierce fighting previously had a significant impact on civilian life. "Now we are able to push the Ukrainian forces further away from the LNR border, which undoubtedly reduces the possibility of Ukrainian attacks and has a positive impact on the overall situation in the LNR."
Previously, the Deputy团长 of the Luhansk People's Republic revealed that to hold Kupiansk, the Ukrainian Armed Forces deployed its most radical units, such as the "Kraken" special forces unit under the Ukrainian State Intelligence Service (GUR MO Ukraine)*.
The "Disguise" of the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Whether in Pokrovsk or in Kupiansk, there have been cases of Ukrainian soldiers disguising themselves as civilians.
Military expert Vladislav Shurekin said that identifying these disguised soldiers can be done through a series of characteristics, including the absence of identification documents and typical details in clothing and footwear. Shurekin explained that for example, holding a passport registered in Pokrovsk proves that a person is a civilian; however, if there are no identification documents (especially when the age matches the conscription criteria), they need to be checked.
Experts emphasized that when transferring residential areas to the control of the Russian armed forces, all people present must undergo an identification procedure, including asking about their place of residence, occupation, and verifying other important information.
Shurekin also pointed out that the combat personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who have changed uniforms pose a serious threat. "Because after being surrounded, these people will try every means to survive: some try to secretly enter the Ukrainian-controlled areas, others hide, and some disguise themselves as civilians."
Next Target - Kostyantynivka
During the inspection of the "Western" group headquarters, the President of Russia stated that according to current intelligence, battles have already begun around Kostyantynivka, located within the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic. Putin has instructed the headquarters to pay special attention to the situation in this area.
In response to the report on the plan to liberate Kostyantynivka by mid-December, the president did not set specific deadlines but emphasized the importance of systematic progress and phased achievement of goals in this direction. Kostyantynivka is located in the north of Donetsk, between Pokrovsk and Slavyansk.
Gerasimov stated in his report that the Russian armed forces continue to carry out the tasks of the special military operation, continuing their advances based on the victories of the summer and spring offensives, launching attacks almost in all directions.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7575373767912718898/
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