Ukrainian forces claim to recapture city deep within Russian controlled eastern region

Ukrainian armed forces claim to have recaptured a city deep within Russian-controlled territory in the east of the country.

Pictures appear to show Ukrainian soldiers flying the national flag above the city hall in Kupiansk, which is south of Kharkiv, where Russia’s frontline looks increasingly weak.

Earlier on Saturday, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said Ukrainian units were “threatening the town of Kupiansk”, but reports of its recapture are still unverified.

British intelligence officials said that if successful it would be a “significant blow to Russia… because it sits on supply routes to the Donbas front line” in the east.

A Reuters source in the area says the Ukrainians have made their most rapid advances in months, in light of pressure to achieve sufficient gains before winter and prove it is worthy of continued Western support.

Vladimir Putin’s forces have focused on deploying troops and resources to the south of the country, as both sides fight for Kherson – the first city the Russians captured.

As a result the Russian forces were “likely taken by surprise”, the MoD said, adding that Ukrainian units had managed to “capture or surround several towns” in the east.

The new Ukrainian advances mean the “Russian defensive front is under pressure on both its northern and southern flanks”, according to intelligence officials.

‘At least 30 settlements taken back by Ukraine’

In his overnight address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at least 30 settlements have been liberated in the Kharkiv region.

“Our army, intelligence units and the security services are carrying out active engagements in several operational areas. They are doing so successfully,” he said.

Washington-based think tank the Institute for Study of War also claims Ukraine has made significant gains, estimating that Mr Zelenskyy’s forces have seized around 2,500 square kilometres (965 square miles) around the north east.

It says that “disorganised Russian forces (were) caught in the rapid Ukrainian advance”.

They cited social media images of apparent Russian prisoners seized around Izyum and surrounding towns.

The MoD described Russian forces in the northeastern city of Izyum as “increasingly isolated”.