Ukrainian forces advance near Kupiansk as Russian defense chief denies Zaporizhzhia setbacks

Ukrainian troops are making gains along the right bank of the Oskil River north of Kupiansk, with military observers expecting an official announcement regarding the liberation of up to 200 square kilometers near Lyman. Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Defence claimed to have captured several settlements on the approaches to Sumy.

In the southern Zaporizhzhia sector, Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, publicly rejected reports of Ukrainian advances, maintaining that Russian lines hold firm. Elsewhere, overnight strikes damaged ammunition storage sites in the Kyiv region. Both sides continue to issue conflicting accounts regarding territorial control along active frontlines.

Sources: The Insider