**Ukrainian City in Ruins: 90% of Kupiansk Destroyed Amid Russian Strikes**
The city of Kupiansk in eastern Ukraine has been left in a catastrophic state, with 90% of its infrastructure destroyed or damaged due to relentless Russian attacks. Local authorities have described the situation as “critical,” and officials are urging immediate evacuation of the remaining civilians.
Only around 1,700 people remain in the city, a sharp drop from its pre-war population of 55,000. The city’s topography makes it vulnerable to air and artillery strikes, with its elevated terrain near the Oskil River making it an easy target for Russian forces.
**Russian Forces Use Advanced Technology**
The head of Kupiansk City Military Administration, Andrii Besedin, has revealed that Russian forces are using advanced technology such as glide bombs (KABs), artillery, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), and FPV drones to strike the city. This has led to the deaths of two municipal workers on May 23, highlighting the growing danger faced by those remaining in the city.
**Strategic Importance of Kupiansk**
The strategic importance of Kupiansk lies in its role as a transportation and logistics hub. The city is home to five major rail lines, connecting it to key locations such as Russia, Russian-occupied Svatove, and liberated Sviatohirsk. Control of Kupiansk provides Russian forces with a secure base for logistics, storage, and troop deployment, making it a crucial location in the war.
**Frontline Flashpoint**
Kupiansk has been a symbol of shifting control in the war, having been captured by Russian forces early on before being liberated in September 2022. The city’s volatile front has made it one of the most critical regions in the conflict, with Russian troops pushing close to the city again by fall 2024.
**Putin‘s “Buffer Zone” Plan**
The renewed assault on Kupiansk coincides with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of plans to create a “security buffer zone” along the Ukrainian border. This move has been met with skepticism, as it is seen as an attempt to annex more Ukrainian territory under the guise of security concerns.
**Analysis**
The situation in Kupiansk highlights the devastating consequences of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. The use of advanced technology and the targeting of civilian areas demonstrate a disregard for human life and a focus on military gain.
The strategic importance of Kupiansk makes it a crucial location in the war, with control of the city providing Russian forces with a significant advantage. However, the bravery and resilience of Ukrainian forces have consistently thwarted Russian attempts to capture key locations, and it is likely that this will continue in the face of Putin’s plans for a “buffer zone”.
**Commentary**
The destruction of Kupiansk serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war. The remaining civilians are facing an impossible situation, with limited access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter.
As the conflict continues, it is essential that international attention remains focused on the plight of civilians in cities like Kupiansk. The international community must hold Russia accountable for its actions and work towards a peaceful resolution to this devastating war.
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