Russian forces report occupation of Kupiansk, fighting continues near Oskile

Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed on Thursday of a significant shift on the eastern front - Russian troops have captured the strategic town of Kupiansk, according to General Valery Gerasimov.

Putin personally met with the army leadership at the command post of the "West" group, where the chief of the general staff presented him with the latest developments in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions.

According to him, in addition to Kupiansk, the Russians have taken control of 70 per cent of Pokrovsk and more than 80 per cent of Vovchansk. Ukraine has denied both claims, nor does it agree that Russian troops control Kupiansk.

Fighting is reportedly continuing around the Oskil River against Ukrainian forces, which are besieged.

(reuters, swag)