Post by : Rameen Ariff

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a high-profile visit to Kupiansk, a strategic city in Kharkiv Oblast near the Russian border, to show that Ukrainian forces still hold the area despite Russian claims. The visit, which Zelensky documented with a selfie and video, directly contradicted Moscow’s assertions that Russian troops had taken full control of the city last month. Kupiansk has been a focal point in the ongoing conflict, and the president’s presence highlighted the resilience of Ukrainian forces on the frontline.

In his video, Zelensky greeted viewers and expressed his admiration for the Ukrainian soldiers stationed in Kupiansk, stating, “I wish you good health. Today I’m in the Kupiansk sector with our warriors who are getting the job done for Ukraine here. The Russians kept going on about Kupiansk – the reality speaks for itself.” He praised the troops for their efforts in defending the city and thanked all units engaged in operations against Russian forces, emphasizing their role in weakening the occupier and strengthening Ukraine’s negotiating position internationally.

Wearing a bulletproof vest during the visit, Zelensky explained that maintaining control over key territories boosts Ukraine’s leverage in diplomatic talks to end the war. “This is exactly how it works: all our strong positions within the country translate into strong positions in the negotiations to end the war,” he said. He also took the opportunity to honour Ukrainian soldiers, saying, “Thank you to each and every warrior! I’m proud of you! And I thank all of our Land Forces — today is exclusively your day. Thank you, guys. Glory to Ukraine!”

During the recording, an explosion could be heard in the distance, illustrating that the frontline remains active and contested. Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, had earlier claimed control of Kupiansk, stating that Russian forces had encircled Ukrainian battalions in the area. However, Ukrainian commanders, such as Ihor Obolenskyi of the National Guard, confirmed that Russian troops in the city had been largely cut off, with no more than 200 remaining.

Zelensky’s visit and public statements served both as a morale boost for Ukrainian troops and as a message to the world that Kyiv continues to hold its ground against Russian advances in the Kharkiv region. By personally showing presence in a contested city and praising the bravery of soldiers, Zelensky reinforced Ukraine’s commitment to defending its territory while enhancing its position in ongoing international negotiations over the conflict.

This development underscores the continuing importance of Kupiansk as a strategic hub near the Russian border, and Zelensky’s actions reflect a combination of frontline leadership, morale-building, and strategic communication designed to support Ukraine’s military and diplomatic objectives.

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