Russian forces have effectively trapped their own 122nd Motorized Rifle Regiment in the city of Kupiansk after prematurely reporting the area as “captured” on official paperwork while active fighting continues on the ground, according to Ukraine’s partisan movement Atesh on January 29.
A partisan agent embedded within the regiment said the unit is facing a critical situation on the Kupiansk axis. In an apparent attempt to quickly demonstrate progress to senior leadership, the regiment’s command reported that Russian forces had taken over several positions in the city and surrounding areas.
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In official Russian documents, those locations are now listed as “rear areas.” In reality, heavy fighting is still ongoing there. As a result, Russian assault groups operating in dense urban terrain have been left unable to request fire support or reinforcements.
According to the source, calls for artillery strikes against Ukrainian machine-gun nests and sniper positions are being rejected. Artillery units are acting strictly on headquarters reports that designate the coordinates as friendly-controlled territory, meaning fire missions in those areas are prohibited.
This bureaucratic disconnect has worked directly in Ukraine’s favor. With artillery commanders refusing to open fire, Russian assault units are left exposed and unsupported during ongoing engagements.
“While commanders are drawing up impressive reports, their assault troops are being systematically destroyed in fire traps with no chance of rescue,” Atesh said. “The generals’ lies have become the most effective weapon against Russia’s own army.”
Earlier, reports emerged that Ukrainian forces were gradually tightening control over Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, thwarting Russia’s attempts to use the city as leverage in potential peace negotiations.
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