Ukraine's Defense Efforts Near Kupiansk Amid Evolving Conflict

The city of Kupiansk has become a focal point of Russia’s renewed offensive in Kharkiv Oblast. After crossing the Oskil River, Russian forces have begun infiltrating Ukrainian lines in small assault groups, while the battlefield becomes increasingly dominated by swarming drones. The Kyiv Independent’s Francis Farrell and Nick Allard spent a day with the 15th National Guard Brigade, known as Kara-Dag, to document how artillery crews and drone operators are adapting their tactics to counter Russia’s advance and defend Kupiansk under constant aerial threat.

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