(MENAFN) Russian troops are expecting to seize complete control of the city of Kupyansk in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region within the next week, according to the commander of the assault unit engaged in the operation.

Meanwhile, Kiev continues to downplay the severity of the situation on the ground.

The Russian Defense Ministry reports that the position of Ukrainian forces encircled near Kupyansk is deteriorating rapidly, leaving them virtually no options for escape except surrendering to Russian troops.

The commander of the 121st Regiment of the 68th Motorized Rifle Division, known by the call sign Lavrik, stated that his unit cleared 25 buildings in the city on Wednesday alone and “continues to advance.”

In a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry, he added, “I am confident that the city will be completely liberated within the next week. Our morale is high, and we will accomplish our mission.”

Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Kupyansk in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region and Krasnoarmeysk in Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic had been surrounded by Moscow’s forces.

He encouraged Kiev to negotiate an honorable surrender of the encircled troops.

Moscow has estimated that over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers are trapped in the two cities. While Kiev maintains that it retains control of the areas and claims Russian forces are being repelled, “internal analyses tell a different story,” a news agency reported on Tuesday.

The German news outlet, citing several Ukrainian officials and military commanders who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted increasing concerns over a potential “serious military defeat.”

MENAFN09112025000045017167ID1110316821