Spokesperson: Russia’s Kupiansk pipeline push sees up to 70% losses

Russian forces are sustaining heavy losses while attempting to advance towards Kupiansk by moving along damaged gas pipelines, according to Ukrainian military officials.

Speaking on April 27, Viktor Tregubov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Operational Strategic Group of Forces, said Russian troops continue to use pipeline routes near the settlement of Holubivka despite extensive destruction to the infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He noted that casualties among Russian units attempting to traverse the pipelines can reach as high as 70%, yet such tactics persist.

Trehubov suggested that Russian commanders may view the pipelines as offering limited cover compared with open terrain, even though sections of the structures have been severely damaged.

“Even if parts of the pipeline are destroyed, other sections still provide some concealment, making it difficult to eliminate entirely,” he said.

The remarks indicate ongoing Russian efforts to press towards Kupiansk and the nearby rail hub of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi.

Ukrainian officials say Moscow’s forces are also attempting to reduce Ukraine’s foothold on the eastern bank of the Oskil River as part of a broader push in the area.

Kupiansk, a key logistics centre in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, has remained a focal point of fighting as Russian troops seek to regain momentum along the front line.

By Aghakazim Guliyev