On January 12, the Khartiia Brigade of Ukraine released a video recording a symbolic moment at the Kupiansk front.
In the video, soldiers of the Reconnaissance and Attack Group (R.U.G) of Battalion 4 climbed onto the roof of the city council building and planted the Ukrainian national flag after tense gunfights on the streets.
However, military observers believe that this flag-laying action is more encouraging than changing the actual situation. On the overall front, the Russian military is still in the lead.
In the Kupiansk region, Russian troops are increasing pressure from the north and east with the strategic goal of firmly consolidating their presence on the west bank of the Oskil River. Closing this encirclement aims to eliminate the enemy's defense capabilities at important traffic junctions.
On the Chasiv Yar front, the Russian army continues to gain firepower, using artillery and missiles to control high points. The Russian side previously announced that it had completely controlled this town since July 2025 and considered the denial from Kiev to be just propaganda. Currently, attack pressure is still being maintained to expand the control area to neighboring cities such as Kostiantynivka.
In another development, at the "fireplace" of Pokrovsk, Russian units are stepping up infiltration into the northern railway area. These forces are taking advantage of winter weather conditions to organize attacks to break down Ukraine's last defense line here.
Under increasing pressure from Russian firepower, Ukraine is waiting for Western aid. Rheinmetall Group (Germany) confirmed that it will transfer 5 Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles to Kiev in early 2026. Although advertised as modern, this small number is considered unlikely to change the situation on the battlefield.
Tensions also spread to the maritime sector when Ukraine accused Russian unmanned aerial vehicles of attacking civilian cargo ships. However, Moscow repeatedly affirmed that their attacks were only aimed at military infrastructure or civilian disguised weapons transport vehicles.
