Russian troops suffered a significant defeat near the city of Kupyansk after attempting a direct assault across open terrain that was under full Ukrainian surveillance. The failed attack took place north of the village of Stepova Novoselivka, where units from Ukraine’s 43rd Separate Mechanised Brigade repelled the assault with deadly precision.
The Russians sent an armoured column across a mined field without cover, allowing Ukrainian forces to target the convoy with artillery, drones, and 155 millimetre cluster munitions. Anti-tank mines also played a critical role in halting the advance. According to the Ukrainian brigade’s report, the result was the destruction of four infantry fighting vehicles, one buggy, a civilian car, a motorcycle, and the death of 38 Russian soldiers.
Military analysts from DeepState confirmed that this assault forms part of Russia’s renewed effort to break Ukrainian lines in the Kupyansk direction. The area has seen repeated Russian offensives, though with limited success. Despite heavy losses, the Russian military continues to commit new forces to this sector.
Kupyansk’s geography and strategic position make it a key objective for the Kremlin’s troops. Located on a high bank of the Oskil River, the city overlooks broad floodplains and rolling hills, similar to those around Kyiv. Its location gives Ukrainian defenders an advantage, while the flat left bank exposes Russian attackers to direct fire.
Further south lies Kupyansk-Vuzlovy, a vital railway junction that connects five key routes. The settlement acts as a logistical nerve centre, making it a high priority for Russian forces seeking to secure better access for troop deployments, supply chains, and command bases. However, Russia’s use of frontal attacks across open fields continues to end in disaster, suggesting tactical missteps or desperation within its military leadership.
Earlier in April, Ukraine’s Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi warned that Russia had launched fresh coordinated attacks along both the Sumy and Kharkiv fronts. The latest failed advance near Kupyansk confirms his warning and shows that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is unwilling to scale back offensive operations, regardless of the mounting toll on his forces.
External Video (Available on Facebook): Ukraine Destroys Russian Armour in Stepova Novoselivka Clash