Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast on Friday to counter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claims that Ukrainian forces in the city were surrounded.
Zelensky posted a video from the frontline showing the city’s landmark sign and meeting Ukrainian troops defending the area. Explosions could be heard in the background, highlighting the ongoing conflict in this strategic northeastern city near the Russian border.
“The Russians kept going on about Kupiansk — the reality speaks for itself,” Zelensky said in the video, noting he had been visiting “our warriors who are getting the job done for Ukraine here.” He emphasized the importance of achieving results on the frontline to strengthen Ukraine’s position in negotiations, pushing back against Kremlin-backed proposals for Ukraine to cede territory.
The Ukrainian president also shared selfies and photos meeting troops in Kupiansk. The city’s blue-and-yellow sign, still standing despite shelling, underscored Ukrainian control. The visit was widely circulated by Ukrainian officials and supporters, serving as both proof of control and morale boost amid Russian attacks on civilian and military infrastructure in the region.