Ukrainian forces refute Russia’s claims about Tabaivka Village capture near Kupiansk

Russian propagandists have been spreading information online about the alleged capture of Tabaivka on the Kupiansk front — a village in the northeastern Kharkiv region.

However, the triumphal claims made by the Russian invaders about seizing the village do not align with reality; ongoing battles refute such assertions, Rubryka reports, citing Volodymyr Fitio, the head of public relations for the Ukrainian Ground Forces Command.

"In the Kupiansk area, the town of Krokhmalne holds significance for Russian forces as a matter of image; they seek to showcase some semblance of victory ahead of elections," Fitio said in an interview with Espresso TV channel. "Before the large-scale invasion, Krokhmalne was home to 45 residents, but today, it lies deserted and destroyed. The enemy touts this as a victory akin to the fall of Berlin. Yet, this is the extent of the occupiers' boasting."

He clarified that the loss of Krokhmalne holds little strategic value for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as Ukrainian defenders have shifted to more defensible positions.

"Moreover, the enemy boasts about Tabaivka, but they do not hold true. Battles are raging there. Thus, the enemy has not taken control of Tabaivka. These minimal advances in the region are the most the invaders have achieved. Our primary focus remains safeguarding our servicemen's lives," said the Ground Forces spokesperson.

Fitio added that if opportunities arise for Ukrainian forces to secure better defensive positions and transition to offensive maneuvers to improve tactical standing, such actions will be taken. He stressed that commanders are making judicious and well-grounded tactical decisions to ensure the safety of their personnel.

Potential Russian army offensive in the Kharkiv region

As of January 12, Russian troops in Ukraine numbered around 462,000 troops. There are also approximately 35,000 Russian Guard service members in Ukraine responsible for maintaining the operations of the occupation regime.

As reported by Rubryka, renewed calls for a large-scale offensive operation in the Kharkiv region have surfaced, aiming to establish a "buffer zone" with the Belgorod Oblast, Russia.

The Institute for the Study of War indicated that geolocation images released on January 20 suggest that Russian troops have seized control of Krokhmalne, located 20 km northwest of Svatove.

However, ISW believes the Russian army intends to advance toward Kupiansk in the coming weeks. While Russian occupation forces may not be fully prepared for large-scale offensive operations in the Kharkiv region, they could intensify efforts to capture the city.

The temporary occupation of Krokhmalne by Russian forces serves to justify the loss of over 7,000 service members since the beginning of the year.

Lieutenant General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of the Ground Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, stated that the Russian army command has not achieved the goals it set for itself in Ukraine in recent months.

Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, reported that on the Kupiansk front, occupiers have resumed aggressive actions, with battles erupting near the settlements of Synkivka and Tabaivka.