Full Breakdown
Ongoing Battles in Eastern Ukraine: Kupiansk and Pokrovsk
2/27/2026, 9:45:28 PM
Kupiansk: A City Under Siege
Ukrainian signals intelligence reported on February 25, 2026, that approximately 20 active Russian radio call signs were detected in besieged high-rises in Kupiansk, indicating a dwindling presence of Russian soldiers. Viktor Trehubov, spokesman for Ukraine's Joint Forces Group, noted that while the number of soldiers is somewhat higher than 20, it reflects a steady attrition over time. The Russian military's presence in Kupiansk has significantly decreased from an estimated 200-300 soldiers at the peak of the invasion to around 20 by late February 2026. Supply lines have been cut for months, leaving the remaining troops reliant on drone-dropped supplies.
Kupiansk, which was seized by Russia in the early days of the invasion in February 2022, was liberated by Ukrainian forces in September 2022 during a counteroffensive. Since then, Russian attempts to retake the city have involved substantial military resources, reportedly consuming at least two combined-arms armies and over 13,000 soldiers. Despite these efforts, the situation for Russian forces in Kupiansk appears dire, with their last troops cornered in apartment buildings and unable to leave.
Pokrovsk: Strategic Capture with Limited Gains
In a separate development, Russian forces have reportedly seized the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, a location that has been a focal point of conflict for nearly two years. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicated that Russian troops committed significant manpower and resources to capture Pokrovsk, which serves as a logistics and transportation hub. However, analysts noted that Ukrainian forces have not been observed operating in the town since late January 2026, suggesting that the capture was completed recently.
Despite the strategic importance of Pokrovsk, ISW emphasized that the seizure has not led to broader operational gains for Russia. The town's capture does not indicate an imminent takeover of the rest of Donetsk Oblast, as Russian advances beyond Pokrovsk have been limited. Nearby settlements, including Hryshyne, remain under Ukrainian control, and the capture of Pokrovsk has not opened significant avenues for further offensive operations.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the Russian military strategy argue that the costly and slow advances in both Kupiansk and Pokrovsk reflect a lack of effective operational planning. The inability to leverage the capture of Pokrovsk for further gains raises questions about the overall effectiveness of Russian military efforts in eastern Ukraine.
Official Statements & Responses
Viktor Trehubov remarked on the situation in Kupiansk, stating, "They are just slowly dying off there," highlighting the dire circumstances faced by Russian troops. Meanwhile, ISW's assessment of Pokrovsk noted that while the town was operationally significant, its capture does not translate into broader strategic advantages for Russia.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Ukrainian sources report a significant decline in Russian troop numbers in Kupiansk, the exact number of soldiers remaining is not definitively established. Additionally, while ISW confirms the capture of Pokrovsk, the implications of this event for future military operations remain unclear, with differing analyses on the potential for further Russian advances in Donetsk Oblast.
As the conflict continues, the situation in both Kupiansk and Pokrovsk remains fluid, with ongoing military engagements and strategic assessments shaping the landscape of eastern Ukraine.
