Up to 20,000 Russian troops deployed in Kupiansk sector – Kharkiv region governor

Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv regional military administration, said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

"It could be 5,000, or it could be 20,000, but they are moving to the Luhansk region. They 'migrate,' undergo rotations, recovery. Therefore, we cannot say that these are exactly the assault troops that are ready to enter the Kupiansk direction, this is not the case. However, enemy assaults take place every day," he said.

The regional governor said the Russians were currently fortifying the border from their side.

"We understand and clearly know what troops are stationed there - assault troops or not. Currently, the enemy is trying to fortify the Belgorod direction from their side of the border, that is, they are building fortifications there. We also continue to strengthen our defense, and now the emphasis is on the Kupiansk direction, because it is the most dangerous," Syniehubov said.

In general, he called the situation in this sector difficult, but controllable.