Russians Simulate Control over Kupiansk by Waving Flags
Ukrainian military officials state that Russian occupiers have been ordered to simulate control over Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region by using flags dropped from drones.
Ukraine’s Joint Forces Group reports that Russian troops in Kupiansk received instructions to wave Russian flags where their small groups are present. Flags are included in supply packages dropped from drones for this purpose. Ukrainian military has called this a “Potemkin capture,” hinting at the illusory nature of such control.
Despite Russian leaders’ claims of controlling the city, a large part of Kupiansk remains under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Ukrainian military officials emphasize that this measure seems like an attempt to “put a good face on a bad game” and hide the truth about the situation in the city.
Furthermore, the Defense Forces note that waving flags helps identify the locations of scattered Russian groups, making it easier for Ukrainian drones to work. Ukrainian commanders advise Russian soldiers following such orders to “live another day” by changing their flag to white.
According to the Ukrainian analytical project Deepstate, the city is partially controlled by the Ukrainian army, partially by the occupiers, with certain areas remaining in a “gray zone.” The last map update was recorded on October 19, when the occupiers advanced somewhat.
| Situation in Kupiansk | Date of Last Changes |
| Partial Ukrainian control, partially occupied, presence of “gray zone” | October 19 |
It was reported earlier that the occupiers are gradually losing control over the city. At the same time, on November 15, Ukrainian troops were forced to withdraw units from the settlement of Novovasylivske in the Zaporizhzhia region due to the recent advance of the invaders in this direction.
