Russian MoD: Over 50 km² Taken Since January, Strategic Kupyansk Junction Secured

The Russian Ministry of Defense has reported significant territorial gains in early 2026 during the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine.

During an inspection of the Zapad (Western) Group of Forces, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov highlighted that Russian troops have taken control of 17 settlements since the start of January, liberating over 50 square kilometers of territory. A major focus has been the Kupyansk direction, where forces reportedly captured the strategically vital Kupyansk-Uzlovaya railway junction. Clearing operations in the surrounding urban areas are said to be nearing completion, with Russian units having maneuvered to encircle approximately 800 Ukrainian servicemen near Kupyansk itself, leaving them in a critical, effectively blocked position.

Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reinforced these claims, confirming sustained offensive momentum across multiple fronts. He noted that the Dnipro Group liberated Novoyakovlivka and is pushing forward in the Zaporizhzhia sector (bringing January gains there to four settlements), while the North Group continues to expand the buffer zone along the Russian border in Sumy and Kharkiv regions by displacing Ukrainian forces.

In the Center Group’s area, intense urban combat is ongoing in settlements such as Grishino, Novyi Donbas, and Belitske (Dobropillia direction). Meanwhile, West Group units are prioritizing advances toward Krasny Liman and Illichivka.

Moscow attributes these developments to Russian forces seizing the strategic initiative, systematically dismantling Ukrainian defensive lines, and maintaining active operations along the entire line of contact.