Ukrainian authorities have reported that the village of Kupiansk-Vuzlovy in the Kharkov region has been liberated from the control of Russian occupiers. The advance marks another crucial victory in Ukraine’s counter-offensive, which targeted areas in the east and south of the country under Russian control. The liberation of Kupiansk-Vuzlovy presents a particular logistical challenge for Moscow, as the settlement houses an important railway network that was used to transport essential supplies between Russian battalions.
Footage released by Ukraine’s defense ministry shows a Russian flag, which was set up in Kupiansk-Vuzlovy, torn on the ground.
A Ukrainian soldier stands on the flag that declared the area free of Russian invaders and the village has returned to control of local authorities.
To mark the liberation of the settlement, a Ukrainian flag was raised in the city and signifiers of the Russian occupation were quickly removed.
The Ukrainian government said: “One of the largest railway stations in eastern Ukraine is located there. The occupiers used it in their supply route. The offensive in Kharkiv continues.”
Under pressure from the Ukrainian counter-attack, Russian forces have launched attacks on critical civilian infrastructure near Ukrainian military bases.
Using short-range missile systems, the Kremlin army attacked the Pechenihy Dam in Kharkov.
The British Ministry of Defense suggested the attack was carried out in an attempt to flood possible border crossings for the Ukrainian army and thus prevent the further advance of President Zelensky’s troops.
Similar attacks were seen earlier this month on the southern Karachunivske dam near Krivyy Rih, the birthplace of the Ukrainian president.
Despite efforts by the Russian armed forces, the Ukrainian counter-offensive has made rapid progress since early September, reclaiming at least 2,000 square kilometers of territory.
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