Underground siege of a key square in eastern Ukraine

"The unmanned aircraft's front camera shows the destruction and desolation that reign in this town in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine, control of which is currently being fought over by the two armies. Testimonies gathered by EL PAIS, during a visit in which access was only authorized as far the city limits, confirm that every street, every building, and even every ruin is being fought over."

"Around 80% of the town has been destroyed. Kupiansk is not only the most important urban center in eastern Kharkiv, but also a strategic point close to the Luhansk region, almost entirely in the hands of invaders, and about thirty kilometers (18 miles) from the Russian border. This enclave blocks a possible future Ukrainian offensive on Luhansk, not only cutting off Kharkiv's logistical route to the neighboring region."

"It is here that the Russians have attempted a surprise attack in recent weeks by sending dozens of soldiers through underground gas pipelines. Many have been killed. Others are eking out their survival with little infrastructure or support, trying to pass themselves off as Ukrainian civilians, according to sources on the ground. The situation is critical, with Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups present in the city and an anti-sabotage operation underway, Mayor Andrii Besedin acknowledged in late"

A drone flight over Kupiansk reveals widespread destruction and ongoing fighting across streets, buildings, and ruins. Approximately 80% of the town is destroyed, and the city sits about thirty kilometers from the Russian border, making it a strategic point near Luhansk. Control of Kupiansk would hinder Ukrainian offensives and expose roads between Kharkiv and Donetsk to artillery and guided-bomb fire. Russian forces have attempted infiltrations through underground gas pipelines, resulting in many deaths and survivors posing as civilians. Sabotage and reconnaissance groups operate in the city while an anti-sabotage effort is reportedly underway.

Read at english.elpais.com