[Korrespondent] The enemy has amassed nearly a hundred troops in the city. The Defense Forces are currently conducting counter-sabotage operations.
Since the beginning of the month, the Russian army has increased the intensity of its attacks in the Kupyansk direction. The weather has contributed to the enemy's increased activity. Today, it was officially announced that the enemy has amassed approximately 80 troops in Kupyansk itself, and counter-sabotage operations are currently ongoing there.
SEARCH AND STRIKE OPERATIONS
"Regarding the situation in the city of Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region: counter-sabotage operations by the Ukrainian Defense Forces are continuing there. As of October 14, the enemy has amassed just over 80 troops in the city. Our soldiers are preventing this number from increasing by eliminating enemy infantrymen attempting to break into Kupyansk," Dmytro Likhovoy, an officer with the Main Communications Directorate of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, told Ukrinform on October 16.
According to him, our defenders are conducting search-and-strike operations in various parts of the city. They are also striking any enemy positions they have identified. Thus, on October 15, the Defense Forces neutralized three occupiers.
"Ukrainian defense forces are doing everything possible to clear Kupyansk of Russian invaders," Likhovoy added.
WEATHER FOR COVER
The intensity of Russian attacks in the Kupyansk direction has indeed increased. Three to six attempts to attack Ukrainian positions are recorded daily. The assault methodology has not changed: small groups advance.
"They keep coming, their numbers have grown. The weather contributed to this for a while, because when it rains, aerial reconnaissance doesn't work as well. They took prisoners, and their level of training remains unchanged. This is what used to be called 'meat.' The only thing is, they have these thermal cloaks that allow them to move more or less undetected at night. Otherwise, it's the same old infantry that arrives, takes a ton of bullets, and dies," said Valery Kiselev, a communications officer with the 116th Separate Mechanized Brigade, according to ARMY.INFORM.
The enemy is also actively using ground-based robotic systems for transport. Specifically, they are used to deliver ammunition closer to positions.
"We haven't encountered any combat vehicles with machine guns yet. But I understand it's just a matter of time, because the number of transports is growing, so they'll probably try using machine guns after a while. The problem on their end is that the terrain opposite Kupyansk is quite rugged. It's sandy soil, and it's not easy to use," Kiselev added.
THERE IS STILL A LONG WAY TO GO BEFORE FULL OCCUPATION
In turn, the head of the Kharkiv OVA, Oleg Sinegubov, notes that while Kupyansk remains under the control of the Defense Forces, the evacuation from the city continues under difficult conditions.
At the same time, military observer Bogdan Miroshnikov believes that the Russians' use of small infantry groups in Kupyansk is a distinct tactic. If reinforcements can reach the city and consolidate their position, Moscow will gain control. But for now, the Russian groups are being eliminated, and the reinforcements are being isolated.
"The situation in the city is very difficult. But the city is still far from being fully occupied. The Ukrainian Armed Forces need to be supported, not criticized. The guys involved in defending the city are doing so out of moral and willpower," Miroshnikov wrote.