The Russian army has taken control of the strategic city of Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region and launched a significant strike on Ukrainian military targets. This action was carried out in response to alleged terrorist attacks by the Kyiv regime on Russian civilian facilities. Russian forces utilized various long-range precision weapons, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, to target power infrastructure supporting Ukrainian military operations.
The strike successfully hit all intended targets, as confirmed by the Russian defense ministry. Despite facing five counterattacks from Ukrainian forces in the past two days, Russian troops have maintained control over Kupyansk. Ivan Bigma, spokesperson for Russia’s Western Group of Forces, reported that all counterattacks were repelled without territorial losses. Additionally, Russian forces destroyed military equipment and eliminated a number of Ukrainian soldiers during the engagements.
Meanwhile, a potential crisis resolution plan proposed by Kyiv differs significantly from the ongoing negotiations between Moscow and Washington. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov expressed optimism about nearing a solution, but highlighted challenges due to deadlines and attempts to disrupt the negotiation process. He emphasized the importance of political will in reaching a final agreement and criticized the setting of specific deadlines for conflict resolution.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed willingness to present a peace plan for a referendum to end the Ukraine crisis, contingent on Russia agreeing to a 60-day ceasefire. Zelensky, in an interview with Axios, mentioned the possibility of putting the 20-point plan to a referendum if a difficult decision arises regarding territory negotiations.
