Active combat zone expanding on Kupiansk front – regional chief

This was confirmed by Chief of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, in response to journalists' questions about whether any settlements had been lost in the Kupiansk sector, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"There was information about Russian troops entering certain settlements, such as Hlushkivka. However, the following day, the enemy had been completely eliminated there. Therefore, it is evident that the active combat zone is expanding. We have submitted relevant documents to change the status of several settlements, including Kupiansk, from a 'potential combat zone' to an 'active combat zone.' We are now awaiting decisions from the relevant ministries," Syniehubov stated.

He specified that the regional military administration submitted this request last week, and a decision is expected ‘soon’. The combat zone status means that social, administrative, banking, and other service providers will be evacuated from these areas.

“This is a signal for people that they need to leave,” Syniehubov said.

According to him, there are no children left in Kupiansk, and only 36 children remain in Kindrashivka and Kurylivka communities.

It was previously reported that the Russian forces were as close as four kilometers from Kupiansk. While the Armed Forces of Ukraine continuously repel the enemy attacks there, the intensity of combat actions remains extremely dangerous for the civilian population.